Njoi Quartet
JU (lyricon/saxophone), Leo Genovese (piano), Jorge Roeder (bass), Gerald Cleaver (drums)
NJoi Quartet marks a step forward from Udden's energetic Torchsongs project (Fresh Sound New Talent), labeled " a small wonder, full of color and daring" (VILLAGE VOICE). Drawing on the Torchsongs "linear grace of Keith Jarrett-like songs, through equally melodic jazz/rock to some very focused free playing" (IRISH TIMES), the group also arose from Udden's experience exploring Ethiopian and other world music as a member of the Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra. Udden toured the US, Europe and Africa with the E/O and got plenty of space to stretch out. Referring to his contribution to the group, one publication bluntly characterized Udden as, "Small Man - Big Sound!" (THE MONITOR - KAMPALA, UGANDA)