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."

• A1 Hattie Wall
• A2 Funny Paper
• A3 Touchic
• A4 My First Winter
• B1 Bordertown
• B2 Steppin'
• B3 Stick
• B4 Hattie Wall