World Saxophone Quartet: Political Blues (2006)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: July 4, 2007

World Saxophone Quartet: Political Blues

Long recognized as an avant-garde fixture with creativity up the wazoo, the World Saxophone Quartet has a language all its own. Its four-part harmony flows worlds apart from the norm while its improvised antics reach right out into your soul and grab hold. The quartet's albums can usually be ranked at the top before you even take a listen because you know that emotions are going to be on fire.

As a departure from the World Saxophone Quartet's usual performance, Political Blues allows its members to communicate with a broader audience in terms that everybody can appreciate. They've incorporated the blues into their creative work in such a way that it gets right to the heart of the matter. With an augmented line-up that makes trombonist Craig Harris a full-time member of the organization, the band's sound turns around. Electric bass, hard-hitting drums and guest vocalists add considerable changes to the quartet's usual format. The WSQ has departed from its funky avant-garde position, and has entered territory usually reserved for rhythm-and-blues bands.

The personality that David Murray, Oliver Lake, Hamiet Bluiett and Jaleel Shaw issue comes from the WSQ's original roots. Intense and filled with passion, their music rocks hard. This time out, however, they've decided to communicate from a casual perspective that opens the door for pointed lyric messages and vital discourse. The world needs to wake up and listen.

Track Listing: Political Blues; Hal�s Blues; Mannish Boy; Let�s Have Some Fun; Amazin� Disgrace; Bluocracy, part 1; Bluocracy, part 2; Bluocracy, part 3; Blue Diamond;Harlem; Spy On Me Blues.

Personnel: Bluiett: baritone saxophone; David Murray: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, vocal (1); Oliver Lake: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, vocal (11); Jaleel Shaw: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Bruce Williams: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone (4, 11); Craig Harris: trombone, didjeridoo, vocal (6); Jeremy Pelt: trumpet (1); Herve Samb: guitar (1); James �Blood� Ulmer: guitar & vocals (3); Jamaaladeen Tacuma: electric bass; Lee Pearson: drums; Carolyn Amba Hawthorne: vocal (5).

Record Label: Justin Time Records
Style: Blues