Soldiering on after the death of
Julius Hemphill
,
the World Saxophone Quartet
retains its fabulously rich palette, now filled out by the remarkable
John Purcell
on soprano sax and clarinet. This engaging album, their sixth for the Canadian label
Justin Time
, was recorded at Chicago's
Steppenwolf Theater
in early 1999. It features compositions from all the group's members, along with compelling renditions of
"Giant Steps"
and
Taj Mahal
's
"Sunrise (Brazilian Sunshine)"
arranged by
Hamiet Bluiett
David Murray
, respectively. Following
Murray
"The Crossing,"
with its intricate harmonies and subtle groove, the quartet tackles
Purcell
"Li'l Poki,"
an ambitious work dedicated to his ancestor,
Pocahantas
. Each
WSQ
member, taking on a prescribed role in this historical epic, makes an unaccompanied statement during the course of the piece. (
spells out the roles in his spoken introduction.)
Bluiett
"Color for Duke"
also contains unaccompanied passages and highlights the glow
the WSQ
can achieve on a lushly harmonized
ballad
.
"Tore,"
a mesmerizing portrait of the northern lights as seen from Sweden, is followed by
Oliver Lake
"What If,"
a wailing workout that finds the composer reciting original
poetry
"Hattie Wall,"
theme song, concludes the program with boogying showmanship. Recommended. ~ David R. Adler