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The World Saxophone Quartet is an American jazz ensemble founded in 1977, incorporating elements of free jazz, R&B, funk and South African jazz into their music.[1]
World Saxophone Quartet | |
|---|---|
 In 2007, from left to right: David Murray, Tony Kofi, Oliver Lake and Hamiet Bluiett. Photo by Andy Newcombe | |
| Background information | |
| Years active | 1977–2016 |
| Past members |
|
The original members were Julius Hemphill (alto and soprano saxophone, flute), Oliver Lake (alto and soprano saxophone), Hamiet Bluiett (baritone saxophone, alto clarinet), and David Murray (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet).[2] The first three had worked together as members of the Black Artists' Group in St. Louis, Missouri, and had appeared together on Anthony Braxton's album New York, Fall 1974.[3] In 1991, Hemphill left the group due to illness, and was replaced by Arthur Blythe,[2] although several saxophonists have filled his chair in the years since. Hemphill died on April 2, 1995.[4] Beginning in the early 1980s, the quartet used Bluiett's composition "Hattie Wall" (released on W.S.Q., Live in Zurich, Dances and Ballads, Steppenwolf and Yes We Can) as a signature theme for the group.[5] The group principally recorded and performed as a saxophone quartet, usually with a line-up of two altos, tenor, and baritone (reflecting the composition of a classical string quartet), but were also joined later in their career by drummers, bassists, and other musicians.[2] Occasionally other saxophonists would sit in or substitute for a tour. These guests have included Sam Rivers, Tony Kofi, Steve Potts, Branford Marsalis, James Spaulding and Jorge Sylvester. Hamiet Bluiett died on October 4, 2018, after an extended illness.[6] The ensemble had split up in 2016.[1]
Discography edit
Albums edit
| Title | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Point of No Return | 1977 | Moers Music |
| Steppin' with the World Saxophone Quartet | 1979 | Black Saint |
| W.S.Q. | 1981 | Black Saint |
| Revue | 1982 | Black Saint |
| Live in Zurich | 1984 | Black Saint |
| Live at Brooklyn Academy of Music | 1986 | Black Saint |
| Plays Duke Ellington | 1986 | Elektra / Nonesuch |
| Dances and Ballads | 1987 | Elektra / Nonesuch |
| Rhythm and Blues | 1989 | Elektra / Nonesuch |
| Metamorphosis | 1991 | Elektra / Nonesuch |
| Moving Right Along | 1993 | Black Saint |
| Breath of Life | 1994 | Elektra / Nonesuch |
| Four Now | 1996 | Justin Time |
| Takin' It 2 the Next Level | 1996 | Justin Time |
| Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis | 1998 | Justin Time |
| M'Bizo | 1999 | Justin Time |
| Requiem for Julius | 2000 | Justin Time |
| 25th Anniversary: The New Chapter | 2001 | Justin Time |
| Steppenwolf | 2002 | Justin Time |
| Experience | 2004 | Justin Time |
| Political Blues | 2006 | Justin Time |
| Yes We Can[7] | 2010 | Jazzwerkstatt |
References edit
- ^ a b "World Saxophone Quartet | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ a b c Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Who's Who of Jazz (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 440. ISBN 0-85112-580-8.
- ^ Looker, Benjamin (2004). Point from which Creation Begins: The Black Artists' Group of St. Louis. Missouri Historical Society Press. pp. 232–233.
- ^ Peter Watrous (April 4, 1995). "Julius Hemphill, Saxophonist And Composer, Is Dead at 57". The New York Times.
- ^ Milkowski, Bill (April 1, 2011). "World Saxophone Quartet: Yes We Can". Jazz Times. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
- ^ "Hamiet Bluiett Dies at 78". Downbeat.com. October 5, 2018.
- ^ Yes We Can at AllMusic