This is the second World Saxophone Quartet disc to feature alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe (who replaced Julius Hemphill) and the first to feature a full rhythm section including bass, piano, and organ. Going a step further from the previous year's experiment with African drums on Metamorphosis, Breath of Life continues to find the sax quartet stretching the boundaries associated with its a cappella approach of the past. Included on its final release for the Elektra Nonesuch label are rhythm & blues-influenced originals by David Murray, Oliver Lake, and Hamiet Bluiett. The Quartet also pays tribute to Ray Charles, Little Willie John, and James Brown on "You Don't Know Me" and "Suffering With the Blues," featuring gospel-inspired performances by Fontella Bass (vocals), Donald Smith (organ), and Amina Claudine Myers (piano and organ). - Al Campbell
Tracks
1. Jest a Little (Oliver Lake)
2. Cairo Blues (David Murray)
3. Suffering with the Blues (Eddy Arnold/Cindy Walker)
4. You Don't Know Me (Eddy Arnold/Cindy Walker)
5. Picasso (David Murray)
6. Song for Camille (Hammier Bluiett)
7. Breath of Life (Oliver Lake)
8. Deb (Hammier Bluiett)
DAVID MURRAY bass clarinet, alto saxophone
ARTHUR BLYTHE alto saxophone
OLIVER LAKE alto saxophone
HAMIET BLUIETT baritone saxophone, contrabass clarinet, alto clarinet
with
FONTELLA BASS vocals, (3, 4, 7) piano (3)
GENE LAKE drums (4, 7)
TARIK SHAH contrabass (6) bass (8)
FRED OPKINS bass (1, 6)
RONNIE BURRAGE drums (1, 6, 8)
AMINA CLAUDINE MYERS organ (1)
DONALD SMITH piano (1, 6, 8) organ (3, 4)
Recorded April 1992 at Clinton Recording Studio and September 1992 at Power Station, NYC
Elektra Nonesuch - 79309-2