Portico Quartet

Hang: a percussion instrument built in Switzerland in 2000. Shaped like a UFO and producing a unique sound which calls to mind a Balinese metallophone or a steel drum, it has become the Portico quartet’s trademark. The combo embrace innovation and are constantly expanding their musical horizons to embrace an unimaginably broad spectrum ranging from classical to dance music, ambient, electronica, jazz and soundtracks… Atmospherically northern European with minimalist touches, their music features a powerful narrative thrust, avant-garde experimentation and a funky impressionism.

Formed in 2005 in London, their first release (“Knee Deep in the North Sea”) was released on vinyl and declared best jazz album of the year by London’s “Time Out”. Their second record (“Isla”) was recorded in the legendary Abbey Road studios and produced by John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses). Their third album (“Portico Quartet”) reflects the myriad shades of an intense, electro-improvisational work. One of the most promoted contemporary groups, they are also among the tightest, irrespective of musical genre.