What makes Revue by World Saxophone Quartet notable?

Revue was pivotal in establishing the World Saxophone Quartet as a significant force in avant-garde jazz, receiving critical acclaim from publications such as DownBeat. The album also contributed to the resurgence of interest in saxophone-led ensembles during the early '80s, influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians. Released in 1982, Revue was the World Saxophone Quartet's debut album, marking their entrance into the jazz scene. At this time, the group was gaining recognition for their innovative approach to collective improvisation and intricate arrangements, setting a foundation for their future works.

How many songs are on Revue?

Revue has 9 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Revue

World Saxophone Quartet · 1982

44 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of improvisational jazz and intricate compositions showcasing the unique voices of four saxophonists.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Revue — The title track exemplifies the group's synergy, featuring complex harmonies and dynamic interplay among the saxophonists that set the tone for the entire album.
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Affairs of the Heart — This track showcases lyrical melodies interwoven with rhythmic complexity, highlighting the quartet's ability to blend emotional depth with technical prowess.
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Hymn for the Old Year — A reflective piece that combines solemnity with rich textures, allowing each saxophonist to express individual voices while maintaining a cohesive sound.

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 blends intricate compositions with improvisation, showcasing the unique voices of its saxophonists.

What we noticed

Each track features a distinct thematic exploration, with varying tempos and styles that highlight the individual saxophonists' improvisational skills.
The album opens with a title track that sets a lively pace, followed by pieces that gradually introduce more complex harmonies and rhythms.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response techniques among the saxophones, creating a dynamic interplay that showcases their collective improvisation.

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 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 Revue 8:02
2 Affairs of the Heart 5:43
3 Slide 3:44
4 Little Samba 5:29
5 I Heard That 3:26
6 Hymn for the Old Year 4:26
7 Ming 4:23
8 David's Tune 8:16
9 Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church 1:04

What to play next

Listen next

Plays Duke Ellington

1986

Go back to

W.S.Q.

1980

Full World Saxophone Quartet discography Artists like World Saxophone Quartet

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata