Julius Hemphill

Julius Hemphill was an influential American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who carved out a distinctive space in avant-garde and free jazz. Born in 1938 in Fort Worth, Texas, Hemphill was steeped in the blues and church music traditions of the South, but his innovative approach pushed the boundaries of jazz composition and improvisation. He’s perhaps best known as a founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet, a pioneering ensemble that blended structured composition with fiery improvisation—all without a rhythm section.

Throughout his career, Hemphill was a prolific composer, creating a wide range of works that explored everything from spoken word to multitrack saxophone overdubs. Albums like "Coon Bid’ness," "Dogon A.D.," and "Blue Boyé" showcase his unique ability to marry deep groove with abstract ideas. Even after his passing in 1995, Hemphill’s legacy continues to resonate, thanks in part to posthumous releases such as the ambitious box set "The Boyé Multi-National Crusade for Harmony," which further cements his role as a crucial figure in modern jazz history.

Genres

Free Jazz

Experimental Jazz

Avant-garde

Hard Bop

Jazz

Jazz Saxophone

Tzadik

Free Improvisation

Avant-garde Jazz

Smooth Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Bebop

Swing

Post-bop

Cool Jazz

Latest Release

Circle the Heart

Marty Ehrlich•

Julius Hemphill

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released January 23, 2026