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American jazz ensemble From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The World Saxophone Quartet was an American jazz ensemble founded in 1977, incorporating elements of free jazz, R&B, funk and South African jazz into their music.[1]
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World Saxophone Quartet | |
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![]() 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 |
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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).[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]
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 |
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