Zs

Zs are a Brooklyn-based group formed in 2000 by tenor saxophonist and composer Sam Hillmer. The lineup changes over time, ranging from a duo to a sextet, and the band remains active. Members associated with the group include Ian Antonio, Greg Fox, Patrick Higgins, Sam Hillmer, Alex Hoskins, Matthew Hough, Charlie Looker, Brad Wentworth, Ben Greenberg, Alex Mincek and Weasel Walter.

Style and work

Zs work in experimental rock, with music also described across noise, post-punk, minimalist, drone, psych and brutal prog. Their sound centres on saxophone, guitar and drums, and they are known for challenging the physical and mental limits of both performer and listener. Hillmer’s saxophone playing is a defining element, and at one point the group features Patrick Higgins on electric guitar and Greg Fox on drum set alongside Hillmer.

Recognition

The group is described by the New York Times as one of the strongest avant-garde bands in New York.