Revue

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Total Tracks: 9   Total Length: 44:38

eMusic Features

Julius Hemphill: Economical Orchestration and the Hard Blues

By Kevin Whitehead

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… more »

They Say All Media 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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