' The Michael Ross Quartet might signify the best kept secret in modern jazz' Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide ' Marvelous;Don't listen to this while driving; the accelerator foot will involuntarily press toward the floor. An adventurous yet highly accessable powerhouse jazz outing' Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz Formed in 1999, the Michael Ross Quartet features Michael Ross on bass, David Pate on saxophone, LaRue Nickelson on guitar, and Walt Hubbard on drums. MRQ released their debut, Doghouse, in 2000, and their followup effort, Dog Eat Dog, in 2002.The CDs were met with critical acclaim and made the playlists on several radio stations around the world. Michael Ross Quartet's latest CD, Year of the Dog, released in December 2004, pushes the envelope of straight ahead jazz, world music, and other American genres. Bassist Ross and guitarist Nickelson are skilled composers on their own, but in this arena of four accomplished musicians performing exclusively original material, their music is interpreted masterfully.