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World Saxophone Quartet: Take The 'A' Train

By Scott Lichtman
June 2, 2024
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The

World Saxophone Quartet

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">World Saxophone Quartet has always created a buzz... literally. Pioneers in jazz woodwinds, WSO combined instrumental prowess with sophisticated orchestrations and a wide repertoire encompassing jazz standards, free jazz, blues, world rhythms, and politicized songs. The original group from the '70s and '80s featured

Julius Hemphill

saxophone, alto
1938 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Julius Hemphill and

Oliver Lake

saxophone
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Oliver Lake on alto and soprano saxophones,

David Murray

saxophone, tenor
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">David Murray on tenor and

Hamiet Bluiett

saxophone, baritone
1940 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Hamiet Bluiett on baritone. Their iconic sound is evident whenever they play intense, four-part harmonies, achieving their famed "buzz" tone. Consider "Take the 'A' Train" from the album Plays Duke Ellington (Elektra / Nonesuch, 1986). Listening to the "Edit" version of this track is like approaching a honey bees' hive: sweet, humming and worthy of your full attention.

Contact Scott Lichtman on All About Jazz.
Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

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