The Hue takes virtuosity to new heights, concocting a prog-rock hybrid that makes for challenging, rewarding instrumental music. Formed in Chicago in 2007, the quartet – Marcus Rezak, Jared Rabin, Kyle Meyers and Brian Gilmanov – has made a name for itself due to its sprawling, elaborate compositions and a heavy touring regimen across the Midwest, including stops at the Summercamp and 10,000 Lakes festivals. Such performances have earned the Hue acclaim from across the musical landscape for their heavy, complicated workouts and the uncompromising jazz intellect that flows with defined grace

The group’s “aggressive progressive fusion” is defined on Beyond Words, the 2009 debut long-player from the quartet. During the  nine songs and 56 minutes of Beyond Words, the Hue wears holes in their instruments with aggressive playing, shifting continuously with an ear-defying dexterity. The spotlight doesn’t shine on individual players, but rather on compositional complexity and nimble rhythmic attacks. To put it bluntly, these guys are good. This is mind-bending music for casual listeners and learned players alike.

- Jamie Lee
Hittin’ the Note
Issue 64