One of the most prominent baritone saxophonist of his generation, Hamiet Bluiett, was born on September 16, 1940 in Brooklyn, Illinois. He began studying clarinet at the age of 9 under his aunt’s tutelage. By the time he studied at Southern Illinois University, he had picked up the baritone sax and flute.

Bluiett launched a successful career after serving in the Navy for several years. During the mid-1960s, he moved to St. Louis, where he played with a musician’s collective known as the Black Artists Group. In 1969, he joined Sam River’s large ensemble, and he gained a famed place in one of Charles Mingus’ last great bands in 1972 thanks to his competency as a straight-ahead player.

In 1976, Bluiett recorded material for his first two albums, “Endangered Species” and “Birthright.” He went on to form the World Saxophone Quartet during the 1980s with David Murray, Oliver Lake and Julius Hemphill.  The quartet became arguably the most popular free jazz band ever during the 1980s. The group played well into the 2000s.

World Saxophone Quartet’s early free-blowing style eventually transformed to include a mixture of bebop, Dixieland, funk, free and various world music. Its characteristic style was anchored and largely defined by Bluiett’s enormous sound.

Throughout his performing and recording career, Bluiett led his own ensembles and recorded a number of strong, progressive-mainstream albums for Black Saint/Soul Note. He also recorded and led sessions for Mapleshade Records during the mid-1990s with “Young Warrior, Old Warrior,” “Bluiett’s Barbeque Band” and “If Trees Could Talk.” He recorded “Libation for the Baritone Saxophone Nation,” “With Eyes Wide Open” and “The Calling” for Justin Time.

Bluiett has worked with greats including Sam Rivers, Babatunde Olatunji, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. He currently performs at gigs that include the New Haven Jazz Festival and with students from the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, Conn.

Learn more:
Hamiet Bluiett: Redefining The Baritone Sax (NPR Music)
Hamiet Bluiett’s Discography