Live in Zurich (World Saxophone Quartet album) explained

Live in Zurich
Type:Live
Artist:World Saxophone Quartet
Cover:Live in Zurich.jpg
Released:1984
Recorded:November 6, 1981
Genre:Jazz
Length:40:13
Label:Black Saint
Prev Title:Revue
Prev Year:1982
Next Title:Live at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Next Year:1986

Live in Zurich is an album by the jazz group the World Saxophone Quartet recorded in 1981 and released on the Italian Black Saint label.

The album features live performances by alto saxophonists Julius Hemphill and Oliver Lake, tenor saxophonist David Murray and baritone saxophonist Julius Hemphill, recorded in Zurich on November 6, 1981. The album features Julius Hemphill's compositions exclusively, with the exception of the opening and closing versions of Hamiett Bluiett's 'WSQ theme', "Hattie Wall".

Reception

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album stars, stating, "By 1981, after four years of existence, it was obvious that the most talented writer in the World Saxophone Quartet was altoist Julius Hemphill. This Black Saint release finds Hemphill contributing six of the eight pieces, including the hard-swinging "Bordertown," the colorful "Steppin" and a vivid feature for David Murray's tenor on "My First Winter." A particularly strong release by a classic and innovative group."[1]

The Washington Post's Mike Joyce noted that "the sweeping elegance and sumptuous colors reminiscent of Duke Ellington's work are occasionally reflected in Hemphill's compositions," and stated that the album "offers further evidence of just how important and influential this group has become. The recording displays the band's exceptional rhythmic autonomy, the feverish mind of composer Julius Hemphill and the robust yet precise ensemble work of all the players."[2]

Track listing

  1. "Hattie Wall" (Bluiett) – 1:40
  2. "Funny Paper" (Hemphill) – 4:45
  3. "Touchic" (Hemphill) – 5:21
  4. "My First Winter" (Hemphill) – 6:54
  5. "Bordertown" (Hemphill) – 7:30
  6. "Steppin'" (Hemphill) – 7:15
  7. "Stick" (Hemphill) – 5:18
  8. "Hattie Wall" (Bluiett) – 1:30

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Yanow, S. Allmusic Review accessed July 19, 2011
  2. Web site: Adventures in Jazz . Mike . Joyce . June 14, 1984 . Washington Post . April 6, 2022.