Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » David Murray: Speaking in Tongues

188

David Murray: Speaking in Tongues

By

Sign in to view read count
David Murray: Speaking in Tongues
Devil music? This disc contains the inscription: "There has always existed a fear throughout African American churches that jazz music was some kind of devil's music." But not on this one, friends. Teamed with the powerful vocalist Fontella Bass and organist Jimane Nelson, master reedman David Murray creates here a shouting, rollicking, joyful gospel jazzfest. It even features "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, "Amazing Grace," "Blessed Assurance," "A Closer Walk with Thee."

Well, Murray plays with all his customary fire, and thus validates the old postulate that the sturm und drang of the "free" music of the Sixties was born in the sanctified emotions of black gospel music. Whatever the case, Murray hasn't sounded this enthusiastic for some time, and his approach certainly fits in here.

There's a chunky, large sound here, courtesy not only of the organ and Murray but also trumpeter Hugh Ragin, guitarist Stanley Franks, and the rhythm men. It's all fervent music, perhaps not that will appeal to all straight-ahead jazz fans, but Murray has an abundance of great moments.

Personnel

David Murray
saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Speaking In Tongues | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Cristal Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts


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.

More

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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