The World Saxophone Quartet was and continues to be a potent
force on the modern jazz scene. This boxed set collection includes
remastered versions of some of their earliest albums recorded for the
Italian Black Saint/Soul Note labels during the 1970s and 1980s. These
albums feature the original lineup of
Julius Hemphill on alto and soprano saxophones and flute,
Oliver Lake on alto and soprano saxophones,
Hamiet Bluiett on baritone saxophone and alto clarinet and
David Murray on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet.
The band is very exciting and uses the different textures of its
instruments and the unique voices of the members to create a memorable
and distinguished sound that runs the gamut from gutbucket R&B
through to outside free improvisations, and it was the balance of these
disparate elements that made the band so interesting. Each musician was
also a composer who brought something different to the table so there
was a great deal of variety within the format. The ability of the
musicians to peel off riffs that act as melodic statements and also
support individual members on solo flights are particularly impressive.
The WSQ became something of a sensation during the 1980s. eventually
headlining festivals and securing a major label record deal. Not bad for
a group of musicians who were scuffling on the loft scene a decade
before.
