Press
7 VIRTUAL JAZZ CLUB COMPETITION: WINNER (2025)
The Andrew Van Tassel Quartet took first place in the international competition (over 30). Previous winners include Gilad Hekselman and Simon Moullier. See the announcement and winning performance on All About Jazz.
Comments from the judges:
"Complete command of the instrument. Amazing sound and ideas."
— Scott Gudell, Jazz critic, All About Jazz
"On the top of the game."
— Arnaldo DeSouteiro, Jazz journalist & historian
"Balanced playing, showcasing imagination and profoundness... a real treat to see and hear."
— Fernando Rodriguez De Mondesert, Jazz journalist
"Great sound, performance and writing."
— Arthur Satyan, Jazz pianist & educator
"Strong band synergy. . . a tight and cohesive ensemble sound. . . strong command of the jazz language."
— Dr. Quentin Angus, Jazz guitarist & professor
"A fantastic band! Every member is a top-tier musician. . . a sophisticated and beautiful performance."
— Yoko Miwa, Jazz pianist
Reviews, awards, recognition, and commentary from critics and fellow musicians.
Praise for Shape-Shifter
"You cannot go wrong with this fantastic album! Good in all ways from front to back. Like me, soon you'll be listening to it over and over."
— 33rd Jazz
“Andrew Van Tassel is a saxophonist of considerable talent and a notable composer…his ‘Shape-Shifter’ is a top-flight set of contemporary hard bop…A classic Blue Note feel.”
— Jazz & Blues Report
“…a formidable jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator. His music could satisfy traditional, Neobop and contemporary jazz-fusion fans alike.”
— O’s Place Jazz Magazine
“Highly recommended. There is an illuminative essence to the recording which is ideal listening during lockdown, wherever in the world you may be.”
— The Rest is Jazz
“Get to know him."
— Neon Jazz
Full Reviews
O’s Place Jazz Magazine - Album Review
Neon Jazz - Interview
Praise for It’s Where You Are
“His new album It's Where You Are confirms what many musicians already know—this guy is the real deal.”
— Sea of Tranquility
"An emerging talent of the New York Jazz scene...The music by Van Tassel, very well rooted in the jazz tradition, has the advantage of seeking new paths...great elegance and intensity."
— Drumset Magazine
“A Blue Note groove. . . Brainy with a heart.”
— Jazz Weekly
“A throwback to the stylings of luminaries like Coltrane, Parker and others of a bygone era”
— The Jazz Writer
“A solid sax man that's finding his footing and his style… Everyone is in sync here and the results are top notch throughout.”
— Midwest Record
Full Reviews
Jazz Weekly — Album Review
The Jazz Writer — Album Review
Sea of Tranquility — ★★★★ Album Review
Other Recognition
Winner — Unsigned Only Music Competition (2024)
Semifinalist — International Songwriting Competition (2021, 2023, 2024)
ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award (2017)
Top 10 Jazz album of 2016 —The Patriot Ledger
Outstanding Soloist — Loyola Jazz Festival
