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The World Saxophone Quartet is a 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 | |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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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). The first three had worked together as members of the Black Artists' Group in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1989, Hemphill left the group due to illness, and several saxophonists have filled his chair in the years since. Hemphill died on April 2nd, 1995. In the late 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. The group principally recorded and performed as a saxophone quartet, usually with a lineup 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. 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 4th, 2018 after an extended illness.
Discography
Albums
| 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 |
| 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[2] | 2011 | Jazzwerkstatt |
References
- ^ Allmusic
- ^ Yes We Can at AllMusic