World Saxophone Quartet
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, Hamiet Bluiett, David Murray |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Jazz music, albums |
The World Saxophone Quartet was a prominent American jazz group established in 1977, known for integrating influences from free jazz, R&B, funk, and South African jazz styles.
The founding members included Julius Hemphill (alto and soprano saxophones, flute), Oliver Lake (alto and soprano saxophones), Hamiet Bluiett (baritone saxophone, alto clarinet), and David Murray (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet). Prior to forming the quartet, Hemphill, Lake, and Bluiett had worked together within the Black Artists' Group based in St. Louis, Missouri, and contributed to Anthony Braxton's album New York, Fall 1974. Due to health issues, Hemphill departed the group in 1991 and was succeeded by Arthur Blythe; since then, several saxophonists have taken on this position. Hemphill passed away in 1995.
Beginning in the early 1980s, the ensemble embraced Bluiett's composition "Hattie Wall" as their hallmark piece, which appeared on numerous recordings such as W.S.Q., Live in Zurich, and Yes We Can. The quartet's typical instrumentation consisted of two alto saxophones, one tenor saxophone, and one baritone saxophone, reflecting the structure of a classical string quartet. Over time, they expanded their sound by including drummers, bass players, and additional musicians. Notable guest saxophonists who collaborated with the group include Sam Rivers, Tony Kofi, Steve Potts, and Branford Marsalis among others.
Hamiet Bluiett died in 2018 after enduring a lengthy illness. The group officially ceased activities in 2016.
Predecessor Tack
- Composition No. 37 from "New York, Fall 1974" (Arista, AL 4032) [Anthony Braxton, Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill, Hamiet Bluiett]
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 |
| 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 | 2010 | Jazzwerkstatt |
External links
- Musical groups founded in the United States in 1977
- Musical groups that disbanded in the United States in 2016
- Free jazz groups
- Post-bop music ensembles
- Saxophone quartets
- American jazz groups
- Avant-garde jazz bands
- Artists signed to Justin Time Records
- Musical groups formed in 1977
- Musical groups dissolved in 2016
- Musical groups disestablished in 2016