Revue

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Revue album cover
Album Information
EDITOR'S PICK

Total Tracks: 9   Total Length: 44:38

eMusic Features

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Julius Hemphill: Economical Orchestration and the Hard Blues

By Kevin Whitehead, eMusic Contributor

In a more perfect world, Julius Hemphill (1938-95) would be better remembered as one of the key jazz composers of the last 40 years. Not least for his role as principal writer for the World Saxophone Quartet, starting in the mid '70s - thereby influencing a raft of reed choirs that took it as inspiration. WSQ made the standalone saxophone section into a standard ensemble: jazz's string quartet. California's Rova was founded around the same… more »

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Chris McGregor: Cape Town to Free Town

By Kevin Whitehead, eMusic Contributor

It wasn't easy, being the interracial Blue Notes in 1963 apartheid South Africa: a black horns-and-rhythm combo with a white pianist/music director, Chris McGregor. They skipped out of Cape Town the following year: went to a French festival and didn't return. In London by '65, the quintet's members were welcomed by forward-looking jazz musicians: Steve Lacy drafted bassist Johnny Dyani and drummer Louis Moholo for the album The Forest and the Zoo, and an ill-fated… more »

They Say All Music Guide

The World Saxophone Quartet always believed in putting on a show, although without watering down its adventurous music. The nine numbers on this set are generally concise (only two songs exceed six minutes) and consist of originals by all four saxophonists: altoist Julius Hemphill (who contributed four of the nine pieces), baritonist Hamiet Bluiett, altoist Oliver Lake and tenor saxophonist David Murray. Sometimes quite rhythmic (and almost danceable) despite not having a rhythm section, the WSQ used melodies and rhythm for their own purposes, creating unpredictable music that always holds one’s attention. This release is a good example of their talents. – Scott Yanow

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