Gwen Lestor’s New Muse 4tet - Keepers Of The Flame

Gwen Laster was contemplating Joseph Campbell’s book “The Hero's Journey" one day, and found herself wondering if there was a ‘Hero's Journey’ for African Americans. It turned out that there was, and Clyde W Ford’s “The Hero With an African Face” became not only a personal inspiration but also a direct influence on Gwen Laster’s New Muse 4tet’s upcoming album Keepers of the Flame (May 10, 2025, self-release). Born in October 2015 and founded by Violinist/Composer Laster, Gwen Laster’s New Muse 4tet’s artistic expression speaks to the people as an improvising 4tet offering 20th and 21st-century new works and original compositions as a vehicle for social activism. Commissioned by Arts Mid Hudson, Gwen’s "Black Lives Matter Suite" premiered shortly after the inception of New Muse 4tet and continues to draw in audiences and critical acclaim. As traditionally trained players who evolved into improvisers and composers, they are rooted in the philosophy that improvisation is the highest form of freedom and create dialogue, self-expression, and original works steeped in music from the African diaspora.