Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » David S. Ware: Shakti

202

David S. Ware: Shakti

By

Sign in to view read count
David S. Ware: Shakti
David S. Ware's Shakti, his first release since the dissolution of his longstanding quartet, is an outstanding addition to the saxophonist's already extraordinary discography. Ware is reunited with bassist William Parker (a member of the earlier quartet, who goes back to Ware's very first recordings as a leader), with veteran Warren Smith seated in the drum chair formerly occupied by Susie lbarra, Marc Edwards, Whit Dickey and Guillermo E. Brown and, perhaps most notably, idiosyncratic guitarist Joe Morris taking on the chordal role previously handled by pianist Matthew Shipp. It is the clean luminous tone that Morris evinces from his instrument (a somewhat rare quality from an avant-garde guitarist) that distinguishes this group from the preceding one - giving it an airier sound.

Ware himself is still a commanding presence, playing with the spiritually driven cosmic energy that the date's title implies. The opening "Crossing Samsara" begins with an appealing free-bopping motif from which Ware launches into an unrestrained improvisation hearkening to his trinity of well-known influences - Rollins, Ayler and Coltrane - at times taking on the sound of a gospel-toned preaching saxophonist. Morris proves to be an excellent foil, twisting crystalline lines around the rolling rhythms of Parker and Smith, the latter a painterly texturalist who may be the most sympathetic drummer the unit has had yet. The 18-plus minute "Nataraj" opens with a repeated bass ostinato that leads into an Ornette-ish dirge, with Morris playing a "Lonely Woman"-like line behind Ware's dark brooding tenor. "Reflection" is a melancholic conversation, first between the leader and Parker and then Morris and the bassist, steadily underpinned by Smith's tasteful commentary.

"Namah" begins with Ware on kalimba and Morris playing percussion, Parker bowing bass and Smith playing the colorist on drums and cymbals prior to the leader's evocation of a prayerful melody and an extended improvisation in which he wrestles some very voice-like testimonials from his horns. The repetitive Monk-ish melody "Antidromic," first heard on 1997's Wisdom Of Uncertainty date, is given a well- deserved reprise, the whole band in inspired abandon. The concluding title suite begins with "Durga," an Ayler-ish call-and-response fanfare with guitar as the second voice, and moves, with a superb drum interlude, into the alluring deliberate line "Devi," serving as a bridge to the final movement "Kali," a freewheeling improvisation of transcendental dimensions. Taken as a whole, Shakti is one Ware's finest efforts yet, one that introduces an important new unit with what one hopes is a bright future.

Track Listing

Crossing Samsara; Nataraj; Reflection; Namah; Antidromic; Shakti.

Personnel

David S. Ware
saxophone, tenor

David S. Ware: tenor saxophone and kalimba (4); Joe Morris: guitar and percussion (4); William Parker: bass; Warren Smith: drums and percussion.

Album information

Title: Shakti | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: AUM Fidelity

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.