Jazz Articles about David Murray

David Murray: Like A Kiss That Never Ends

by AAJ Staff
April 1, 2001

Saxophonist David Murray is like a kiss that never ends, courtesy of his amazing recorded output going back over two decades. Fresh on the heels of the new millenium, Murray returns with Like A Kiss. Throughout his recorded work, he's maintained high standards--yet he always seems bent on skirting predictability. Each new disc reflects a different angle of approach. Like A Kiss, as one might imagine from the title, features some unusually laid-back improvisation. The music emphasizes melody and flow ...

David Murray: Like A Kiss That Never Ends

by Mark Corroto
April 1, 2001

Ever since David Murray's arrival on the seventies New York loft scene, he has been hailed as the heir to Albert Ayler, John Coltrane, and Ben Webster. He has also been assailed for lacking imagination, proper technique, and authenticity. Perhaps this wide range of opinion reflects the fact that Murray has spoken with many voices over the last 25 years. He's played in every imaginable ensemble size, performing the full spectrum of music from notated arrangements to free improvisation. He's ...

David Murray: The David Murray Octet Plays Trane

by C. Andrew Hovan
July 1, 2000

So, here we have another Coltrane tribute. But wait a minute, wasn’t Murray part of another Trane project of several years back? Oh well, it doesn’t really matter because Murray and the Octet are working on a level here that magnificently transcends the typical “copycat” forms of homage. This is just as much a message about Murray as a writer and player as it is a reminder of the spirit of adventure that characterized Coltrane’s wildest inventions.

Although Africa/Brass proved ...

David Murray Octet: Octet Plays Trane

by AAJ Staff
July 1, 2000

Saxophonist David Murray's latest record, Octet Plays Trane, returns to the heart of the African-American jazz canon with joy and sophistication. Unlike many works with this large an ensemble, Octet Plays Trane steers clear of the rigidity of arranged large-group playing as well as the potential chaos coming from mass improvisation. Murray's orchestration of “Giant Steps," for example, builds off of an arrangement of Coltrane's original solo--still leaving space for individual improvisations within this structure.

What's most remarkable about the ...

David Murray: Fo Deuk Revue

by AAJ Staff
July 1, 2000

Saxophonist David Murray signed to Justin Time in '95 and makes his Justin Time debut on Fo Deuk Revue, an impressively ambitious work recorded in Dakar, Senegal in mid-'96. His ensemble on this record includes American artists such as Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Darryl Burgee, Hugh Ragin, and Robert Irving III, as well as a host of Senegalese stars including sabar player Doudou N'Diaye Rose and rappers Positive Black Soul. Fo Deuk Revue brings together elements of jazz, funk, African percussion, rap, ...

The David Murray Quartet: Seasons

by Mike Neely
February 1, 2000

One of our finest saxophonists has recorded a surprising CD. David Murray who is usually associated with the avant-garde has collaborated with a first rate rhythm section to produce a melodic, mainstream disc at times akin to a Ben Webster small group session. This is quite a surprise from the World Saxophone Quartet's lead saxophone star. The title of the disc is “Seasons and the cast includes Roland Hanna on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Victor Lewis on drums. ...

David Murray: Speaking in Tongues

by Robert Spencer
December 1, 1999

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 ...