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World Saxophone Quartet | |
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 In 2007, from left to right: David Murray, Tony Kofi, Oliver Lake and Hamiet Bluiett. Photo by Andy Newcombe | |
| Background information | |
| Years active | 1977–2016 |
| Past members |
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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. [1]
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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). [2] 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 . [3] In 1991, Hemphill left the group due to illness, and was replaced by Arthur Blythe, [2] although several saxophonists have filled his chair in the years since. Hemphill died on April 2, 1995. [4] 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. [5] 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. [2] 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. [6] The ensemble had split up in 2016. [1]
