What makes Four Now by World Saxophone Quartet notable?

Four Now received critical acclaim for its adventurous approach to jazz, leading to a resurgence of interest in avant-garde ensembles during the mid-90s. The album contributed to the World Saxophone Quartet's reputation as pioneers of contemporary jazz experimentation, influencing numerous artists in the genre. Released in 1996, Four Now is the World Saxophone Quartet's fifth studio album, following their acclaimed record, Music for the New Millennium. At this point in their career, the ensemble had solidified their unique identity within the jazz genre, known for their innovative compositions and engaging live performances.

How many songs are on Four Now?

Four Now has 7 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Four Now

World Saxophone Quartet · 1996

54 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of improvisational jazz and rhythmic complexity, inviting listeners into a world of intricate saxophone harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dou Dou n’Daiye Rose — This opening track showcases the quartet's masterful interplay and complex rhythms, setting a dynamic tone for the album while highlighting their distinct sound.
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Colors — Incorporating various musical influences, Colors exemplifies the group's ability to blend traditional jazz with modern elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
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What a Dream — This piece features extended improvisation that highlights each member’s virtuosity, illustrating the quartet’s collaborative spirit and depth of expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex saxophone interplay and varied tempos, contributing to its distinct sound within jazz.

What we noticed

The album features intricate saxophone harmonies where each of the four members often plays interweaving lines rather than taking turns as soloists.
Tracks vary in tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning from frenetic energy to more subdued, contemplative sections.
The final track ends with a gradual fade-out, allowing the listener to absorb the preceding material before concluding.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dou Dou n’Daiye Rose 8:42
2 Dakar Darkness 8:28
3 Suga 6:50
4 Colors 6:57
5 For Now 5:24
6 What a Dream 7:21
7 Sangara 10:40

What to play next

Listen next

Selim Sivad: A Tribute to Miles Davis

1998

Go back to

Takin' It 2 the Next Level

1996

Full World Saxophone Quartet discography Artists like World Saxophone Quartet

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata