There is plenty of variety to the third album by the unique World Saxophone Quartet. The music ranges from nearly free improvisations to the four-part "Suite Music," which was almost completely written out. Rather than being a screamfest for the four innovative saxophonists (baritonist Hamiet Bluiett, altoists Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake and tenor saxophonist David Murray, all of whom double on other reeds), this is a well constructed and sometimes surprisingly accessible (although always explorative) program. - Scott Tanow
Tracks
1. Sundance (Hamiet Bluiett)
2. Plainsong (Julius Hemphill)
3. Connections (Julius Hemphill)
4. W.S.Q. (Oliver Lake)
5. Pillars Latino (Julius Hemphill)
6. Suite Music: The Key/Ballad for Eddie Jefferson/Pam.Maw/Hattie Wall
7. Sound Light (Oliver Lake)
8. Fast Life (David Murray)
JULIUS HEMPHILL alto and tenor saxophones
OLIVER LAKE alto, tenor and soprano saxophones
HAMIET BLUIETT baritone saxophone, alto clarinet
DAVID MURRAY tenor saxophone, bass clarinet
Recorded March 1980 at Sound Heights Studios, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Black Saint - 120046-2 Italy