Formed in 2001, The Mark Lomax Quartet (MLQ) is a contemporary jazz ensemble led by composer, drummer, activist, and scholar Dr. Mark Lomax, II. Musically, the ensemble draws direct inspiration from the energy, passion, and spiritual depth of John Coltrane’s Classic Quartet of the mid-1960s while maintaining a forward-looking, modern sensibility. Their repertoire blends original compositions, Negro spirituals, and complex re-imaginings of works by African American jazz luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Coltrane.
Beyond standard jazz performances, the Quartet serves as a core vehicle for Lomax's socio-politically driven concept projects, most notably contributing to 400: An Afrikan Epic— an ambitious 12-album cycle chronicling the history, struggles, and future of the African diaspora. Integrating elements of African rhythm, blues, classical harmony, and free-jazz improvisation, the ensemble is widely acclaimed for its fiery, emotionally resonant performances that bridge historical African American artistic traditions with contemporary socio-cultural narratives.
The Mark Lomax Quartet
Edwin Bayard - tenor and soprano saxophones
Dr. William Menefield - piano
Dean Hulett - bass
Dr. Mark Lomax, II - drums
