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World Saxophone Quartet: Requiem For Julius

By AAJ Staff
July 1, 2000
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World Saxophone Quartet: Requiem For Julius

Requiem for Julius dedicates itself to the memory of founding WSQ member Julius Hemphill (here again replaced by John Purcell). The quartet stands alone—without its recent companion, African drums—and invokes its remarkable ability to trade off between tight arrangements and free improvisation. In fact, it's often hard to tell where the arrangements leave off and the improvisation begins. Despite the quarter century of musicianship shared between the other three founding members, Purcell plays with maturity and sensitivity, fitting right in.

The general feel of the record is reflective and downtempo, making generous use of space, although—as always—there are exceptions. The title track, a David Murray composition, rings clear as the strongest on the record: it manages to reflect a contemplative mood, while making effective use of melody and a bluesy sound. Requiem certainly has few flaws, but it's hard to recommend this record as a must-have, given the amazing quantity and quality of WSQ material available. Look for two more WSQ releases upcoming on Justin Time: a studio performance and a live recording.

Track Listing

1) Ebony (Jack DeJohnette) 2) Free and Independent Thought (Hamiet Bluiett) 3) All Praise (John Purcell) 4) Requiem For Julius (David Murray) 5) Le Sport Suite (Oliver Lake) 6) Hurricane Floyd (David Murray) 7) Potato Vamp (Oliver Lake) 8) Tone Poem (Oliver Lake) 9) Blues (Bluiett - Murray - Lake - Purcell)

Visit the "Justin Time Records" website at: www.justin-time.com

Personnel

World Saxophone Quartet

band / ensemble / orchestra

Hamiet Bluiett; Baritone Saxophonist: Oliver Lake; Alto Saxophone: David Murray; Tenor Saxophone: John Purcell; Soprano Saxophone.

Album information

Title: Requiem For Julius | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Justin Time Records

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