Hamiet Bluiett is a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. His primary instrument is the baritone
saxophone, and he is considered one of the finest living players of this instrument. He also plays (and records
with) the bass saxophone, E-flat alto clarinet, E-flat contra-alto clarinet, and wooden flute.
As a child, he studied piano, trumpet, and clarinet, but was attracted most strongly to the baritone saxophone
from the age of ten. While attending Brooklyn's public schools, he studied music under the tutelage of George
Hudson. He launched his musical career by playing clarinet in what was known then barrel house dances in
Brooklyn before joining he Navy.
Bluiett's kinship with the baritone saxophone was cemented after hearing Harry Carney who played the
instrument in Duke Ellington's band. That experience awakened him to the possibilities the instrument
possessed. What's unique about Hamiet's sound is that his interpretation of the baritone sax is that of a
saxophone player - leading and not accompanying the scope of the song. Bluiett once opined: "I think the
baritone sax can stand toe to toe with you like Shaquille O'Neal and take you out."
After his stint in the Navy, he returned home and co-founded the Black Artist's Group (BAG) in the late 1960's.
BAG was a collective dedicated to fostering creative work in theater, visual arts, dance, poetry, film, and music.
In 1969, Bluiett moved to New York and joined the legendary Charles Mingus Quintet and the Sam Rivers large
ensemble. In 1976, he co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet which quickly became jazz's most renowned
saxophone quartet. He currently leads Bluiett's Baritone Nation that currently tours the world. In addition to
stretching the musical boundaries, Mr. Bluiett has enhanced the music of Tito Puente and Aretha Franklin.
The mastery of music has allowed Hamiet Bluiett to traverse the world, spreading the gospel that music speaks
louder than words and provides a solace that invigorates the human spirit. He is respected as a master of his
craft.
Below is an exempt from an interview conducted by written by Mr. Fred Jung praising the talent and skills of
Mr. Bluiett.
"A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH HAMIET BLUIETT"
I can't imagine the baritone saxophone would have any prominence what so ever if Hamiet Bluiett were not
blowing the hell out it on every record and in every performance. As one quarter of the World Saxophone
Quartet, Bluiett has his place among the jazz history books secured, but there should be a whole chapter
devoted to what he has done for the big horn. The baritone and fans of it ought to send thank you notes to
Bluiett each and every day, because for my two cents, I would never listen to the baritone as heavily as I do if it
were not for men like Bluiett, Vinny Golia, and James Carter.
Hamiet Bluiett
(9/16/40- present
