World Saxophone Quartet
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: United States
- Born: 1977 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Died: 2016
- Active: 1977 - 2016
Biography
World Saxophone Quartet was formed in 1977 by Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, Hamiet Bluiett, and David Murray. Arranged like a string quartet, the group fused free jazz, R&B, and gospel across landmark albums such as 'Plays Duke Ellington' (1986), continuing with rotating fourth members until 2016. The ensemble proved that four horns alone could hold any stage, and its model inspired saxophone quartets across jazz and classical music.
World Saxophone Quartet Discography
- Steppin' With the World Saxophone Quartet (1979) - Album - rated 3.5/5
- W.S.Q. (1981) - Album - rated 4.07/5
- Plays Duke Ellington (1986) - Album - rated 3.81/5
Members
- Julius Hemphill - Alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute (1977–1991)
- Oliver Lake - Alto saxophone, soprano saxophone (1977–2016)
- Hamiet Bluiett - Baritone saxophone, alto clarinet (1977–2016)
- David Murray - Tenor saxophone, bass clarinet (1977–2016)
- Arthur Blythe - Alto saxophone (1991–1995)
- Eric Person - Alto saxophone, soprano saxophone (1993–1996)
- John Purcell - Saxophones, flute (1996–2010)