Marty Ehrlich - OPEN AIR: The Complete Saxophone Quartet Compositions of Julius Hemphill (2026) [Hi-Res]

The legacy of American composer and saxophonist Julius Hemphill (1938–1998), founder and primary composer for the World Saxophone Quartet, is undergoing a comprehensive revival. Through the efforts of his mentee, saxophonist and composer Marty Ehrlich, the master's archival materials are being curated and released on prominent jazz labels. A major milestone in this initiative is Open Air: The Complete Saxophone Quartet Compositions of Julius Hemphill, a 42-track double album issued on Out of Your Head Records. The release features new ensemble and duo interpretations recorded by Ehrlich alongside Allan Chase, Rob DeBellis, Brian Landrus, Andy Laster, Jeff Lederer, Lisa Parrott, and Jason Robinson, showcasing 14 previously unrecorded compositions discovered in Hemphill's papers.

Hemphill's compositional style was built on a synthesis of Duke Ellington's elegant reed sections and Charles Mingus's grounded blues and gospel intensity. The structure of Open Air is organized into six conceptual 20-minute galleries, mirroring the side lengths of traditional vinyl LPs. Stylistically, the music ranges from Kansas City swing and Stax-style horn arrangements to polytonal explorations, woodwind chamber pieces, and soul-jazz. The collection brings Hemphill's intricate sound world to a new generation of listeners.

Tracklist:
1. Marty Ehrlich - Open Air (For Tommy)
2. Marty Ehrlich - Revue
3. Marty Ehrlich - R & B
4. Marty Ehrlich - My First Winter (Pt. 1)
5. Marty Ehrlich - Orator
6. Marty Ehrlich - Touchic'
7. Marty Ehrlich - Hearts
8. Marty Ehrlich - Another Feeling
9. Marty Ehrlich - Funny Paper
10. Marty Ehrlich - New Prayers
11. Marty Ehrlich - Untitled
12. Marty Ehrlich - Stick
13. Marty Ehrlich - What I Know Now
14. Marty Ehrlich - Pillars Latino
15. Marty Ehrlich - Bayou Sketches
16. Marty Ehrlich - Dar El Sudan
17. Marty Ehrlich - Cool Red
18. Marty Ehrlich - Affairs Of The Heart
19. Marty Ehrlich - Steppin'
20. Marty Ehrlich - Plain Song
21. Marty Ehrlich - Sweet D (For David Murray)

1. Marty Ehrlich - Children's Song
2. Marty Ehrlich - Romance In Time
3. Marty Ehrlich - Slide
4. Marty Ehrlich - Functions
5. Marty Ehrlich - Ink
6. Marty Ehrlich - One/Waltz/Time
7. Marty Ehrlich - Bumpkin
8. Marty Ehrlich - Border Town (San Antonio, TX)
9. Marty Ehrlich - Big Foot
10. Marty Ehrlich - Flair
11. Marty Ehrlich - Georgia Blue (For Joanne Robinson-Hill)
12. Marty Ehrlich - Little Samba
13. Marty Ehrlich - Dream/Scheme
14. Marty Ehrlich - Ji Ji Tune
15. Marty Ehrlich - Choo Choo
16. Marty Ehrlich - Fixed Signs
17. Marty Ehrlich - Impulse
18. Marty Ehrlich - Connections
19. Marty Ehrlich - Loopology
20. Marty Ehrlich - My First Winter (Pt. 2)
21. Marty Ehrlich - Void