Playing well with others

The goal of 53 Stations was to play compositions that you just didn’t
hear on the local scene. Founders Jason Shapiro and Skip Rohrich
brought their free jazz sets into Wilmington and Philly venues, and
they rarely compromised on their passions — navigating intense
compositions by cult heroes like Steve Lacey and Ornette Coleman.Founders Jason Shapiro and Skip Rohrich brought their free jazz sets into Wilmington and Philly venues, and they rarely compromised on their passions — navigating intense compositions by cult heroes like Steve Lacey and Ornette Coleman.

But sax-man Jason Shapiro isn’t just an artist — he’s an entertainer at heart. And the Jason Shapiro Quartet promises a tighter, more accessible set. “Stations was a little selfish to me. Sometimes it was like we were playing only for ourselves,” says Shapiro.

“But with [Shapiro Quartet] I want people to enjoy what we’re doing as much as I’m enjoying playing it.”

Those familiar with Stations will certainly notice the link when Shapiro Quartet takes the stage at Tritone on Sunday. But Shapiro says he’s added an element that would have been blasphemy with his former group: the guitar. “As well as all the jazz stuff I love, I’m really influenced by Stevie Wonder, The Weather Report, Tower of Power and all of that kind of thing. So I’m trying to find ways to, you know, not blatantly play rock and funk beats, but to bring those elements more into my writing.”

The Jason Shapiro Quartet
Sunday, 9 p.m.
Tritone, 1508 South St.
www.tritonebar.com