Customer Reviews

Sacred Ground

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(from an extended feature, copyright 2007 Michael F. Hopkins)

Rich in balladry that's strong, serenading, and significant in

the scope of its call, SACRED GROUND is David Murray at his finest.

Deadly and robust as ever in his swing and spirited shout, the

legendary tenor saxophonist brings a particularly haunting shimmer

to the vibrant presentations which fill this latest album from

Montreal's Justin Time Records.

With a quartet featuring Murray alongside drummer Andrew Cyrille,

bassist Ray Drummond, and pianist Lafayette Gilchrist, the superb

dynamics strike deep into the heart and soul. Cyrille is ever the

artful juggler of tempo-tossed thunder which sings and steps

the lightning into sensuous being.

Drummond weaves sheer harmonic tapestries which thread the

rhapsodies with tensile wonder. Gilchrist, taking inspiration from the

sterling chromatics of the astonishing

John Hicks, sets the measure of his

own thematic effervescence here, with performances which playfully

linger long after the day is done. The dare and intimacy of this

quartet's presentation stirs insight which intrigues and compels

all who encounter the tales this Music has to tell.

Two selections, the title theme and the finale ("The Prophet Of

Doom"), feature telling lyrics by master satirist Ishmael Reed,

honed to their most tantalizing poetics by acclaimed singer

Cassandra Wilson. Reed also supplies the CD's exceptional liner

notes, telling the absorbing tale of how the Music and this album

came to be.

Originally written as the soundtrack for the monumental documentary

BANISHED (go to <http://www.banishedthefilm.com>, and gain

sobering wisdom),

Murray's compositions tell a sweeping tale of people in

struggle which cannot be denied. Listen to the twilight wail of

Murray's bass clarinet paying tribute and serving notice on

"Banished", drawing unstoppable tone portraits of sorrow and

tears, blood and trial, lament and resilience.

This entire album is alive with a determined compassion and nimble

wisdom indicative of the greatest Music ever made, and is especially

representative of the Music we know as Jazz. Hanker down to the

down-home surry of "Family Reunion", step into the sauntering tango

of "Believe In Love", and stroll into song which strikes a prevailing

Joy into all who hear.

Travel the paths made by David Murray and all he represents, and know

the full spectrum of human feeling. Know the precious bounty of

walking SACRED GROUND.

Start here.

David Murray and lyricist Ishmael Reid made this CD inspired by 'Banished', which is about African-Americans who were kicked out of their homes. So, it's serious stuff. Cassandra Wilson sings on the first and last songs, and Murray's quartet with Lafayette Gilchrist, Ray Drummond, and Andrew Cyrille play throughout. Much of the music, as you might expect, is blues-based and timeless. It doesn't say modern nor throwback, which is what you'd expect from someone whose free jazz albums continue the jazz tradition. "Transitions" and "Family Reunion" are upbeat and positive-sounding. The playing is strong throughout - David Murray is one of the contemporary greats. Cassandra Wilson's vocals are also very good. The lyrics on the opener are more serious, and the lyrics on the closer are a little more playful. The liner notes say Reid played with the meaning of "Cassandra".

This is recommended for Murray fans, or any fans of jazz, really.

It is tough to keep up with David Murray. He records so much music and so much of it is top-notch. Although he has made forays into the "popular realm," such as jazzing up the Grateful Dead, he is not a compromiser, and that can be a little rough on mainstream ears. I love his wall-of-sound melodious romps. And there is a good deal of that on this disc. There is also a bit of the discordant edge that I find difficult - there is almost always one or more such cuts on all of his recordings - and I have mixed feelings about the two vocals with Cassandra Wilson. But here is yet another David Murray disc with much more power, verve, and joyous noise than 90% of the new jazz out there.

the item arrived as promised. But if they include an email address. They should at least respond to a thank you email i sent them!