Ruffus 4-tet Performs Debut Studio Concert in Tampa
The jazz quartet made its live debut at the WUSF studio featuring original compositions.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Jazz
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The newly formed jazz group Ruffus 4-tet held its debut studio performance at the WUSF studio. The quartet showcased a blend of original compositions and arrangements of music by artists including Radiohead and Tom Harrell.
Why it matters
This performance marks the official launch of a collaborative project featuring musicians Rafael Silva, Justin Renfrow, James Varnado, and Nick Spagnuolo. Their debut session highlights a blend of prepared arrangements and spontaneous improvisation.
The quartet features four musicians led by Rafael Silva, who is proficient on more than 15 instruments. Silva draws from a career spanning nearly two decades and a personal repertoire of 900 songs.
The players
Rafael Silva
A Berklee College of Music graduate with nearly two decades of experience who plays piano and alto saxophone.
Justin Renfrow
A musician and member of the quartet who plays both trumpet and flugelhorn.
WUSF
A public media organization that hosted the quartet for its debut performance in their studio.
The details
Led by multi-instrumentalist Rafael Silva, the group utilizes a collaborative approach to develop music. The quartet mixes original works with interpretations of songs by Edu Lobo, Radiohead, and Tom Harrell.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: The Ruffus 4-tet performed their debut studio session.
Industry Dynamics
The Ruffus 4-tet follows a growing trend of modern ensembles that incorporate non-traditional influences to expand the reach of jazz. By balancing original works with covers of artists like Radiohead, the group positions itself within the contemporary evolution of the genre.
Listeners can track the quartet's development as they begin booking public concert dates. Following their WUSF session, future appearances will likely provide opportunities to hear their blend of improvisation and arrangement live.
The takeaway
The debut of the Ruffus 4-tet highlights the ongoing creative experimentation within the jazz community. Audiences interested in new musical projects should watch for the group's transition from studio recordings to live concert tours.
Further reading
Explore more local performances and artist profiles in the Jazz section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WUSF.
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