““Simply smoking straight ahead jazz, this bunch has the oomph on their side to be much more than local luminaries. Hot stuff throughout.”” - Chris Spector; Midwest Record
“ " When you name your stylistically eclectic, sensually soulful yet hard swinging quartet after the boundary around a black hole, things are bound to get cosmically and universally interesting when it comes time to transferring that live energy onto a debut album. Beyond its scientific meaning, the term “event horizon” can also be defined as “a point of no return.” You’ll find yourself feeling that you’re there, ..."” - Jonathan Widran; JW Vibe
“They make me want to move to Chicago.” - Travis L. Rogers, Jr. ; The Jazz Owl
“And no, I still haven’t seen the film. I’d rather listen to this again.” - Marc Phillips; Part Time Audiophile
“Consternation” 2026
While some jazz albums simply seem destined to ease into the room, Consternation kicks open the door, looks around, and immediately starts rearranging the furniture.
Throughout Consternation, Event Horizon Jazz Quartet demonstrates that stylistic variety doesn’t require sacrificing identity. The music can be funky, lyrical, cerebral, playful or downright combustible, yet the quartet’s conversational chemistry remains constant. After six years away from the studio, they return not by retracing familiar territory, but by opening the door to considerably more of it'.
“A spirited, stylistically adventurous collection of 13 originals by co-leaders Jim Kaczmarek and Scott Mertens, balancing hard-swinging momentum with atmospheric balladry and enough rhythmic detours to keep the listener guessing – and fully on board for the fascinating journey.”
- JW VIBE Jonathan Widran September 28, 2026