LandLine is a quartet based in New York City with an innovative approach to composition, performance and pedagogy. Their method of composing can be viewed as a metaphor to their overall relationship with music; one that celebrates inclusiveness and the joy of artistic collaboration.

The group is made up of some of New York City’s most creative composers and improvisers: Chet Doxas on tenor saxophone, Jacob Sacks on piano,  Zack Lober on bass, and Vinnie Sperrazza on drums.

The concept of the group is based on an original composition game that is constantly ongoing within the band. The process is similar to the children’s game “telephone” but in LandLine’s case, the group uses musical ideas instead of spoken phrases. Each band member composes a musical idea then passes it down the line to the next group member. By the time the process is completed, each member of the group has edited or added to the original idea as they saw fit, thus making each piece of music and its interpretation highly collaborative. 

At their live performances bound copies of the sheet music are made available to the audience so that they may observe the compositions in each stage of its development as the group performs live. These copies are also available for purchase at the venues or online. LandLine’s pedagogical approach is based on the same principles that govern their unique way of working together. The band offers courses in group composition, improvising and individual instrument instruction to post-secondary and graduate-level students. The classes adhere to a comprehensive curriculum that is meant to highlight the joys of improvising and composing in a diverse and collaborative setting. The course is offered in three-day and five-day workshops. 

LandLine has been active since 2014, performing at many of New York City’s premier listening rooms including Smalls, Korzo, the Drawing Room and NuBlu. The combined musical experience that each member brings to this group includes past and present associations with such luminaries as: Carla Bley, Paul Motian, Butch Morris, Ethan Iverson, Dave Douglas, and many more.