Live in Zurich

by Scott Yanow 

By 1981, after four years of existence, it was obvious that the most talented writer in the World Saxophone Quartet was altoist 

Julius Hemphill

. This Black Saint release finds 

Hemphill

contributing six of the eight pieces (the other two are by 

Hamiet Bluiett

), including the hard-swinging "Bordertown," the colorful "Steppin" and a vivid feature for 

David Murray's

tenor on "My First Winter." A particularly strong release by a classic and innovative group.