Joe Acheson Quartet

Mark Edmundson
1 They’ve got the credentials All young multi-instrumentalists, three members of this quartet are classically trained while the fourth has been playing professionally since the age of 13. Joe himself also has a FourTet-like ear for intriguing vocal samples and cinematic layering.
2 They pack a punch – or two If this all sounds a little high-minded, don’t be fooled. Straddling the divide between sample-based recording and virtuoso live performance, JAQ’s lush recordings take on a whole new hackle-raising bombast on stage thanks in part to a combination of heavy, jazz-kit riffs, digital drums, programmed beats and percussion.
3 They’re doing it for themselves The as yet unsigned outfit have scored themselves Arts Council funding to professionally lay down their unique fusion of classical, folk, jazz, rock and electronica.
4 They’re doing it with others To date JAQ have performed this oddly accessible, orchestral dance music in support of the likes of Zero Db, Jaga Jazzist and Aim (where they invited local MC Profisee to the stage). At the Fettes Jazz Weekend they welcome the Scottish Chamber Orchestra cellist Su-a Lee into the fold.
5 They’re beyond words We couldn’t possibly do justice to their enveloping digital/acoustic live performance in here. Quite like nothing else on the Edinburgh scene or elsewhere, they really must be sampled to be believed. (Mark Edmundson)
Fettes College, 226 0000, 18 Aug, 7pm, £15; Bongo Club, 557 2827, 19 Aug, 11pm, £8.50 (£7.50); Jazz Bar, 220 4290, 25 Aug, 11pm, £5 (£4).