Political Blues

World Saxophone Quartet | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 20, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Justin Time Records
• ASIN: B000FGFUXQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,579 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Political Blues

2. Hal’s Blues (for Hal “Cornbread” Singer)

3. Mannish Boy

4. Let’s Have Some Fun Blues

5. Amazin’ Disgrace

6. Bluocracy Part 1Part 2Part 3

7. Blue Diamond

8. Harlem

9. Spy On Me Blues

Editorial Reviews

New York Times, Jon Pareles

The most original, important group since Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane redefined group improvisation in the late 1950s

Product Description

For their ninth Justin Time recording, the musicians of the World Saxophone Quartet - one of the world’s most acclaimed jazz ensembles, and one of its most durable – have chosen to address the current political climate of the United States the way they know best. Bold original compositions are embellished with no-holds-barred lyrics, provocative arrangements and superlative performances. Not content to rest on its laurels, the WSQ has produced a recording that is seething in its disdain for the current Administration ("Spy On Me Blues") and immediate in its relevance (the Katrina-inspired "Amazin’ Disgrace").

A group not lacking in charisma, the ample personality of the WSQ, enjoying its fourth decade and now consisting of the triumvirate of founding members Oliver Lake, Bluiett (formerly Hamiett Bluiett) and David Murray, ensures that guests are not necessarily required in order for interesting music to be made. However, guests abound. Electric bass legend Jamaaladeen Tacuma, trombonist/arranger extraordinaire Craig Harris, legendary American music iconoclast James "Blood" Ulmer and powerhouse drummer Lee Pearson all contribute immeasurably, and there are additional guests in saxophonists Jaleel Shaw and Bruce Williams, vocalist Carol Amba and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt.

Destined to become a landmark recording, alongside such classic albums as Archie Shepp’s Attica Blues and Charles Mingus’ Fables Of Faubus, the WSQ’s Political Blues succeeds in being both a rallying cry against half-truths and injustices and a compelling musical statement. Recorded earlier this year in New York, the World Saxophone Quartet’s Political Blues have created a statement that’s both timely and timeless, and never less than utterly compelling.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Music For Our Times, July 18, 2006

By 

R. Naveen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Political Blues (Audio CD)

In light of the extant political chaos, both in the US and abroad, it's wonderful to hear WSQ put their axes and cred on the line, "telling" it like it is. Infused with the spirit of Charlie Haden's LIBERATION MUSIC ORCHESTRA, WSQ has produced a seminal effort, which, I trust, grabs the attention of jazz-o-philes and others who care about the painful state of present affairs. And which gives us hope that, indeed, somehow, some way, things will change for the better.

4.0 out of 5 stars WSQ engages the world, April 3, 2010

By 

Anthony Cooper (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Political Blues (Audio CD)

"Political Blues" is both similar to, and different than, other WSQ CD's with a rhythm section. The music isn't as free as a quartet-only disc, and is fairly funky and bluesy jazz. What makes "Political Blues" different is the blunt politics. Like some of Charles Mingus's political statements, the WSQ speak their mind without using analogies, similies, or any other lyrical devices. Recorded after Katrina, President Bush and the response to the hurricane receive a lot of vitriol. A big fan of Bush might have a hard time with this disc. Neotraditional jazz is also told to go pick a switch. The only big misstep on the disc is "Mannish Boy" where WSQ comes off like a bar band. Musically, the rest of the disc is about as good as an average WSQ disc, meaning it's pretty good and recommended for fans.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Music for the Blog Generation, August 18, 2006

By 

William F. Beckett "Exegete" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Political Blues (Audio CD)

This is an excellent CD whose overall theme arises from an urgent need to express strong political dissent in this age of media driven virulent "sound bite" propaganda. The musicianship is captivating and declares its sentiment without reservation or embarassment. In my opinion, these folks are the "Earth, Wind and Fire" of the internet age.