Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » World Saxophone Quartet: Steppenwolf
World Saxophone Quartet: Steppenwolf
Since 1976, this ensemble has taken its alluring persona on the road in chamber jazz fashion with great success. Their product is always a treat. When Julius Hemphill passed in 1995 and John Purcell joined the unit, things kept on rolling smoothly. To our relief, the quartet has extended its horizons and maintained its high level of quality.
The recording includes spoken song introductions by David Murray, Purcell, Bluiett, and a spoken narrative by Oliver Lake. Hearing their voices brings the listener even closer to this quartet. Each of the four artists has something vital to offer, both from personal experiences and through the horn. Composed music forms the basis for this performance. Improvisation comes naturally. Without a rhythm section, you sometimes get naked space between ideas. The World Saxophone Quartet uses this quality to place emphasis where needed. Emotions run high throughout the performance, and their music has never sounded better. Highly recommended, this one is yet another thrilling episode from a superb unit.
Track Listing
Intro; The Crossing; Intro; Li'l Poki; Intro; Sunrise; Giant Steps; Intro; Color for Duke; Intro; Tor
Personnel
World Saxophone Quartet
band / ensemble / orchestraBluiett: baritone saxophone; Oliver Lake: alto saxophone; David Murray: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; John Purcell: soprano saxophone, clarinet.
Album information
Title: Steppenwolf | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Justin Time Records
About World Saxophone Quartet
Tags
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Become a Sustaining Member
Since 1995, All About Jazz has championed jazz as an art form and supported the musicians who create it. Over three decades, it has grown into one of the world's leading jazz resources, serving hundreds of thousands of readers, musicians, presenters and industry professionals each month.
Help Build the Future of All About Jazz
Your support helps us continue building All About Jazz for the next generation—expanding our editorial coverage, preserving jazz history, developing new community features and creating better ways to discover the music and the people behind it.
Become a sustaining member for as little as $20 per year and you'll immediately enjoy an ad-free experience along with access to subscriber features and future articles for a full year.
Together, we're not simply sustaining All About Jazz—we're building its future. Thank you for being part of the journey.
