World Saxophone Quartet

The World Saxophone Quartet is a jazz group founded in 1977. 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. The first of these was Arthur Blythe, followed by Eric Person, James Spaulding and John Purcell.

Related Topics:
Jazz - 1977 - Julius Hemphill - Oliver Lake - Hamiet Bluiett - David Murray - Black Artists' Group - St. Louis, Missouri - 1989 - Arthur Blythe - Eric Person - James Spaulding - John Purcell

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The group principally recorded and performed as a quartet, usually with a lineup of two altos, tenor and baritone (reflecting the composition of a classical string quartet), but were also joined occasionally by drummers, bassists and other musicians.

Related Topics:
Classical - String quartet

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A short discography of the World Saxophone Quartet:

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Steppin' With the World Saxophone Quartet (Black Saint BSR 0027) 1979 AKA Steppin'

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W.S.Q. (Black Saint BSR 0046) 1981

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Revue (Black Saint BSR 0056) 1982

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Live in Zurich (Black Saint BSR 0077) 1984 - recorded live November 6, 1981 at Jazz Festival, Zurich, Switzerland

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Live at Brooklyn Academy of Music (Black Saint BSR 0096) 1986 - recorded live December 6 & 7, 1985, Brooklyn, NY

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Plays Duke Ellington (Nonesuch 9 79137-2) 1986

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Dances and Ballads (Nonesuch 9 79164-2) 1987

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Rhythm and Blues (Elektra/Musician 60864-2) 1989

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Metamorphosis (Elektra Nonesuch 9 79258-2) 1991 - with African Drums - Arthur Blythe joins

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Breath of Life (Elektra Nonesuch 79309-2) 1994 - with Fontella Bass

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Moving Right Along (Black Saint 120127-2) 1994 - no Arthur Blythe, Jams Spauding and Eric Person join

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Four Now (Justin Time JUST 83-2) 1996 - with African Drums - no James Spauding or Eric Person, John Purcell joins

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Takin' It 2 The Next Level (Justin Time JUST 93-2) 1996

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Selim Sivad, A Tribute to Miles Davis (Justin Time JUST 119-2) 1998 - featuring Jack DeJohnette and with African Drums

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M'Bizo (Justin Time JUST 123-2) 1999

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Requiem for Julius (Justin Time JUST 137-2) 2000

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25th Anniversity: the new chapter (Justin Time JUST 149-2) 2001

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Steppenwolf (Justin Time JUST 128-2) 2002 - recorded live March 1, 1999 at The Steppenwolf Theater, Chicago, IL

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