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World Saxophone Quartet: Take The 'A' Train

By Scott Lichtman
June 2, 2024
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The World Saxophone Quartet has always created a buzz... literally. Pioneers in jazz woodwinds, WSO combined instrumental prowess with sophisticated orchestrations and a wide repertoire encompassing jazz standards, free jazz, blues, world rhythms, and politicized songs. The original group from the '70s and '80s featured Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake on alto and soprano saxophones, David Murray on tenor and Hamiet Bluiett on baritone. Their iconic sound is evident whenever they play intense, four-part harmonies, achieving their famed "buzz" tone. Consider "Take the 'A' Train" from the album Plays Duke Ellington (Elektra / Nonesuch, 1986). Listening to the "Edit" version of this track is like approaching a honey bees' hive: sweet, humming and worthy of your full attention.

Contact Scott Lichtman on All About Jazz.
Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

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