Yes We Can (feat. Hamiet Bluiett, Kidd Jordan, James Carter & David Murray)

The World Saxophone Quartet released its debut, *Point of No Return*, in 1977. Since then, this extraordinary ensemble has put out numerous albums, including *Yes We Can*, which was recorded live in Berlin in 2009 and celebrates the inauguration of President Barack Obama. The band includes original members Hamiet Bluiett (on baritone sax and clarinet) and David Murray (on tenor sax and bass clarinet). The veteran alto saxophonist Kidd Jordan and tenor and soprano saxophonist James Carter round out the lineup. *Yes We Can* opens with Bluiett’s “Hattie Wall,” a sort of theme song for the group. In the first section, motoric riffs provide the drive of a rhythm section, but eventually the track goes outside as the WSQ lets loose grunts, squeaks, speedy runs, and other sounds to create a web that thrillingly flirts with chaos. Jordan’s “River Niger” is an appealing slice of spiritual jazz, while the title cut features a lush arrangement and playfully quotes “Hail to the Chief.” “The God of Pain” displays the band’s fondness for Duke Ellington, and “The Angel of Pain” has simultaneous solos that interconnect wonderfully.