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World Saxophone Quartet: 25th Anniversary: The New Chapter
By25th Anniversary also marks a return to fundamentals for the WSQ, after numerous tributes and collaborations. Precisely four musicians play on this disc, and they perform only original compositions (David Murray's arrangement of the traditional "Goin' Home" is the sole exception). In this setting, individual musical personalities shine through more clearly than ever. The opening track, Murray's "Suki Suki Now," offers an upbeat bluesy theme with loosely interwoven harmoniesand plenty of space to stretch out. Contrast this version with the one found on Murray's recent Power Quartet recording (Like a Kiss That Never Ends) and the WSQ approach seems much more angular yet grounded. Even during formally coordinated parts, the quartet paints with broad strokes, blurring lines and shifting about to defy expectations. Bluiett's brief "Bits 'n' Pieces" presents darker hues, with greater harmonic and tonal complexity. The improvisation here is open-ended and moody. And with John Purcell's "The New Chapter," the quartet explores sonorities made possible through overdubbing. The WSQ's first experiment of this kind, Purcell's tune explores denser harmonies and allows players the opportunity to improvise over arranged segments. It's not a total success, but the novel approach holds potential for expanding the quartet's palette.
This disc offers special rewards to listeners interested in the possibilities available through pure saxophone sound. With the amazing tonal and timbral range available to these four players, 25th Anniversary presents proof that maturity can indeed be a valuable asset.
Track Listing
Suki Suki Now; Netdown; Bits 'n' Pieces; Goin' Home; Over a Cloud (Sobre una Nube); Stock; The New Chapter.
Personnel
World Saxophone Quartet
band / ensemble / orchestraBluiett: baritone saxophone, contra-alto clarinet; Oliver Lake: alto saxophone; David Murray: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; John Purcell: saxello, alto flute, and Tibetan bells.
Album information
Title: 25th Anniversary: The New Chapter | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Justin Time Records
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Cynthia Sayer
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About World Saxophone Quartet
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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