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David Murray Latin Big Band: Now Is Another Time
ByThe signature feature of Cuban music, as it is usually appreciated by the jazz community, is its distinctive approach to rhythm. Cuban instruments like the claves and timbales have infected music worldwide, and timbales master Changuito makes a dramatic appearance here. The whole rhythm section, in fact, is unmistakably drenched with polyrhythmic color, and that's the greatest strength of this recording. Whatever happens on top, the rhythm section always provides a solid foundation.
Beyond that, the record is a bit hit or miss. The second tune, "Aerol's Change," has an upbeat sense of celebration. Horn fanfares dance in and out of cyclical rhythms, punctuating the insistent forward flow of the piece. Changuito takes a rare timbales solo (beautiful!) and pianist Tony Perez acts both as supporting propulsion and solo expressionist. Perez is definitely one to watchhis ability to coordinate many independent layers of sound does not detract from his ability to ride high in the saddle when the time comes.
But two tunes later, the rabidly up-tempo "Break Out" falls flat. As a show of tour de force virtuosity, it's great. But in the process of musical development things turn rather square. Even Murray, with his characteristic tenor dynamo of tone and intensity, doesn't add much more than a busy series of notes that fail to carry the momentum the piece demands.
When this band is on-target, the results are inspiring. It's too bad they are not consistent in that regard, because the project has enormous potential. Listeners curious about Cuban music, especially its rhythmic element, are likely to find some tasty nuggets here regardless.
Track Listing
Crystal; Aerol's Change; Blue Muse; Break Out; Mambo Dominica; Giovanni's Mission; Sad Kind Of Love.
Personnel
David Murray: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; plus an army of over 30 international players.
Album information
Title: Now Is Another Time | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Justin Time Records