Quarantined Quartet Release New Album
Quarantined Quartet’s debut album Strumming the Earth marks the arrival of a unique family ensemble, adding to the rich legacy of famous musical families. From the Jacksons to the Carpenters, the music world has long been captivated by the chemistry that family bands bring to their performances. Quarantined Quartet, consisting of the Hochman family—two parents and their two children—infuses their music with a deep sense of connection that is palpable throughout the album. With their viral rise on Instagram during the pandemic, their four-guitar performances have attracted global attention, and this album serves as a testament to the power of family harmony, both musically and emotionally.
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Unlike many famous family bands, which often lean toward pop or rock, the Quarantined Quartet’s focus is on the classical Spanish guitar and flamenco traditions. This gives their sound a distinct identity, setting them apart from well-known family groups like The Bee Gees or The Beach Boys, whose harmonies were vocal-based. Instead, the Hochman family’s guitars sing together, weaving intricate melodies and rhythms that feel like an intimate conversation between close-knit players. The level of synchronization in their performances feels natural, the result of years spent honing their craft together at home—an intimacy that can only come from family.
In many ways, their story parallels that of The Corrs, the Irish sibling band known for blending traditional Celtic music with pop. Like The Corrs, Quarantined Quartet manages to bridge genres, fusing the classical and flamenco guitar techniques with elements of world music. The result is an album that feels at once traditional and contemporary. The title track, “Strumming the Earth,” embodies this blend perfectly, with its earthy rhythms and fluid melodies that could just as easily fit into a classical concert hall as they could on a world music festival stage. It’s this versatility that positions Quarantined Quartet as more than just a family novelty—they are serious musicians who bring something fresh and original to the table.
Where they diverge from other family bands like The Osmonds or The Jonas Brothers is in the depth and range of their compositions. Quarantined Quartet’s original tracks, such as “Shifting Woods” and “Arena Dorada,” highlight the ensemble’s ability to create music that is both technically intricate and emotionally resonant. Unlike many pop-centric family acts, whose music is often designed for radio play, Strumming the Earth feels more like an artistic statement. There is a narrative arc to the album, a journey that the listener embarks upon, with each track contributing to the overall experience. The Hochman family is not just playing songs; they are telling stories through their instruments.
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The comparisons to other family acts don’t stop with their technical proficiency. Like The Carter Family, one of country music’s most legendary groups, the Quarantined Quartet’s music is deeply tied to tradition. The Carter Family’s influence in preserving and innovating country music mirrors the way Quarantined Quartet breathes new life into the classical guitar genre. Their reimagined versions of “Bella Ciao” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” are prime examples of how they take well-known songs and transform them, adding layers of depth and emotion through their skillful playing. These covers stand out on the album not just for their beauty, but for the way they reinterpret the songs with a fresh perspective while staying true to their core.
It’s this balance between honoring tradition and pushing boundaries that makes Quarantined Quartet comparable to The Marsalis Family, a famous jazz dynasty known for their technical brilliance and ability to blend jazz with other genres. Like the Marsalis family, the Hochmans demonstrate an effortless understanding of their craft, bringing precision and passion to every track. Yet, they aren’t afraid to step outside the box, allowing world music influences to seep into their sound, much like Wynton Marsalis has expanded the boundaries of jazz.
Strumming the Earth isn’t just an album—it’s a testament to the unique magic that happens when a family shares not only their life but their music. The Hochman family’s tight bond elevates their performances, making the album feel deeply personal, even for listeners who may not be familiar with classical guitar or flamenco. In the same way that families like The Jacksons and The Carters created lasting legacies through their music, Quarantined Quartet is building a new one rooted in the Spanish guitar tradition. With their debut album, they’ve shown that they are not just a viral sensation, but a family band with staying power, poised to leave their own mark on the world stage.
Gwen Waggoner
