World Saxophone Quartet - New Chapter: The 25th Anniversary (2001)

After nearly two dozen recordings and in celebration of their 25th anniversary, the World Saxophone Quartet has proven that they are still on the cutting edge of avant-garde jazz in the new century. 25th Anniversary: The Next Chapter features the four brilliant saxophonists: Oliver Lake on alto saxophone; John Purcell on saxello, alto-flute, and Tibetan bells; David Murray on tenor saxophonist and bass clarinet; and Hamiet Bluiett on baritone saxophone and contra-alto clarinet doing what they do best, creating daring concepts as a collective. This CD offers their first-ever experiment with overdubbing on Purcell's title cut, "The New Chapter." David Murray's funky "Suki Suki Now" finds him extending his range on the tenor saxophone with intensity and abandon. This is the WSQ's sixth recording for the Justin Time label and exceeds the listening possibilities and interpretations of their Takin' It to the Next Level CD because of their extensive range of approaches, new sonorities, hi-tech themes, and the overdubbing experimentation. © Paula Edelstein