World Saxophone Quartet

The World Saxophone Quartet was an American jazz ensemble founded in 1977, incorporating elements of free jazz, R&B, funk and South African jazz into their music. 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, and had appeared together on Anthony Braxton's album New York, Fall 1974. In 1991, Hemphill left the group due to illness, and was replaced by Arthur Blythe, although several saxophonists have filled his chair in the years since. Hemphill died on April 2, 1995. Beginning in the early 1980s, the quartet used Bluiett's composition "Hattie Wall" (released on W.S.Q., Live in Zurich, Dances and Ballads, Steppenwolf and Yes We Can) as a signature theme for the group. The group principally recorded and performed as a saxophone quartet, usually with a line-up of two altos, tenor, and baritone (reflecting the composition of a classical string quartet), but were also joined later in their career by drummers, bassists, and other musicians. Occasionally other saxophonists would sit in or substitute for a tour. These guests have included Sam Rivers, Tony Kofi, Steve Potts, Branford Marsalis, James Spaulding and Jorge Sylvester. Hamiet Bluiett died on October 4, 2018, after an extended illness. The ensemble had split up in 2016.

40 Years of Justin Time Records - 2023-09-08T00:00:00.000000Z

Jazzy New York - 2020-08-14T00:00:00.000000Z

Late Night Blues - Soulful Blues Classics - 2017-08-04T00:00:00.000000Z

Late Night Jazz to Blow Your Mind - 2017-04-07T00:00:00.000000Z

Yes We Can - 2011-01-04T00:00:00.000000Z

Political Blues - 2006-06-20T00:00:00.000000Z

Experience - 2004-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Steppenwolf (Live) - 2002-05-21T00:00:00.000000Z

Justin Time for Christmas, Vol. 3 - 2001-10-01T00:00:00.000000Z

New Chapter: The 25th Anniversary - 2001-03-13T00:00:00.000000Z

Requiem for Julius - 2000-04-18T00:00:00.000000Z

M'Bizo - 1999-06-25T00:00:00.000000Z

Selim Sevad: A Tribute to Miles Davis - 1998-06-15T00:00:00.000000Z

Takin' It 2 the Next Level - 1996-11-05T00:00:00.000000Z

Four Now - 1996-05-06T00:00:00.000000Z

Moving Right Along - 1994-12-28T00:00:00.000000Z

Breath Of Life - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Metamorphosis - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Rhythm & Blues - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Live At Brooklyn Academy Of Music - 1986-12-28T00:00:00.000000Z

Plays Duke Ellington - 1970-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z

Live In Zurich - 1984-12-28T00:00:00.000000Z

Revue - 1982-12-28T00:00:00.000000Z

W. S. Q. - 1981-12-28T00:00:00.000000Z

Steppin' With - 1979-12-28T00:00:00.000000Z