Julius Hemphill was an avant-garde composer who specialized in alto saxophone. Raised in Fort Worth, Texas, he began performing with blues, rhythm and blues, and jazz bands and then later moved to New York City in 1973. In 1977 he founded the World Saxophone Quartet—a four-horn band which revolutionized the concept of the saxophone section on numerous albums and performances worldwide. Throughout his time in New York Hemphill also recorded a number of celebrated albums including Coon Bid’ness and Roi Boyé and the Gotham Minstrels. Hemphill worked in a variety of formats and was well known for his unusual instrumental combinations. His compositions often combine both jazz roots and European classical and African influences.

Aluminum Nights