A trio
of albums from the great David Murray! Ming is beautifully arranged work from David Murray – an important early large group recording, one that really helped point the way to some
of his later genius! The session features Murray leading an all-star octet that includes Henry Threadgill on alto, Olu Dara on trumpet, Butch Morris on cornet, George Lewis on trombone, Anthony Davis on piano, Wilbur Morris on bass, and Steve McCall on percussion. Tracks are a very hip set
of original compositions that display an incredible range
of soulful feeling and expression – and which open a door to a whole new chapter
of Murray's career. Titles include "Ming", "Dewey's Circle", "Jasvan", "The Fast
Life", and "The Hill". Sacred Ground is a beautifully
spiritual set that really reminds us
of the promise we first heard in his music decades ago! Murray's working here with a lean, soulful
ensemble that includes Lafayette Gilchrist on piano, Ray Drummond on bass, and Andrew Cyrille on drums – all in a groove that has plenty
of sharp edges, but which is also nicely inside – very focused, and with a sense
of depth that's really wonderful! All tracks are originals by Murray – penned with the sensitivity
of an older soul jazz recording – and two numbers feature lyrics by Ishmael Reed, sung by Cassandra Wilson on guest vocals. Titles include "Sacred Ground", "Transitions", "Family Reunion", "The Prophet
Of Doom", "Believe In Love", and "Banished". Lucky Four is a gentler set than some
of David Murray's other US dates from the time – but in a really great way that nicely gets at the more sensitive side
of his work on tenor and bass clarinet! There's a bit
of a hardbop groove to the album, but also a bit more freedom too – a style that never goes that far out, but which reminds us through subtle cues that most
of these players have a longer legacy in more avant-oriented work. The group features Dave Burrell on piano, Wilbur Morris on bass, and Victor Lewis on drums – and Burrell especially echoes a range
of influences here – almost pulling from older eras
of jazz in the way that Jaki Byard used to – an approach that's often echoed by Murray in his horn. Titles include "Valley Talk", "Chazz", "As I Woke", "Abel's Blissed Out Blues", "Sharing", and "As I Woke".