World Saxophone Quartet - M'Bizo (1999)

This is an unusual recording for the World Saxophone Quartet. Famous for being an a cappella saxophone band (which at the time consisted of David Murray on tenor and bass clarinet, Hamiet Bluiett on baritone, bass sax and contrabass clarinet, altoist Oliver Lake and John Purcell on saxello), the famous band is joined on this tribute to South Africa by a couple of different rhythm sections, many percussionists and quite a few singers in a vocal ensemble. Despite all of the extra musicians and vocalists, the WSQ does not get lost in the crowd. The music (the three part "M-Bizo Suite," "Snapapo" and "Matshidiso"), which was composed by Murray, is often jubilant and celebratory. The singers and percussionists add to the party atmosphere which even when remembering the dark days of apartheid, sounds quite hopeful and optimistic. Well worth exploring. © Scott Yanow