World Saxophone Quartet featuring Jack DeJohnette: Selim Sivad

Nils Jacobson

Senior Contributor since 1999

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Published: July 1, 2000

World Saxophone Quartet featuring Jack DeJohnette: Selim Sivad

On 1998's Selim Sivad, the members of the WSQ devote themselves to the memory and spirit of jazz master Miles Davis. They continue to incorporate African drums, this time also including Davis alumnus drummer/pianist Jack DeJohnette. Compared to the earlier WSQ+drums records, Selim Sivad includes a greater variety of improvisational approaches. While "Seven Steps to Heaven" receives a tight percussion-rich interpretation, "The Road to Nefertiti" more openly explores space and time, and "Tutu" gets the funky drummer treatment from DeJohnette.

The expanded quartet expresses a clear appreciation for the wide range of styles explored by Miles Davis during his career, while endowing the (mostly) Davis compositions with its own personal touch. Of course, it's an ambitious project to interpret the works of Miles Davis using four saxophones and four drummers—but amazingly, the WSQ succeeds.

Track Listing: Seven Steps to Heaven, Selim, Freddie Freeloader, The Road to Nefertiti, Nefertiti, Tutu, Blue In Green, All Blues.

Personnel: Hamiet Bluiett: baritone saxophone, contra-alto clarinet; David Murray: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Oliver Lake: alto saxophone, flute; John Purcell: saxello, alto flute; Jack DeJohnette: drums, piano; Chief Bey: Ashiko African drum; Okyerema Asante: African drums, percussion, kalimba; Titos Sompa: African drums, percussion, kalimba, voice.

Record Label: Justin Time Records
Style: Modern Jazz