A new release by Blue Note is always an event. Over the years the label has kept abreast with the jazz scene always knowing where it's at and this latest album by David McMurray is no exception.
This Life: A short introductory piece. The leader blows tenor without any troops to lead apart from a narration by Boone? Kem? that sets the album's mood. The sound of the tenor a fulsome example of what's to come.
The Jungaleers: An explosive saxophone blast that had me reeling from the first note. The sound of surprise? You betcha! Over a funky Detroit soul rhythm, the various noises merge and emerge coming out as a portrait of the the Motor City on a Saturday night. Sounded like two saxes. Was there some chicanery at the mixing desk? If so, it worked.
Just a Thought: A ballad with some nice work on the Rhodes as McMurray remembers many of the musicians past and present with whom he's collaborated: the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Herbie Hancock, Bonnie Raitt, Nancy Wilson - the list is a long one.
7 Wishes: Chugs merrily along with some strange noises gurgling in the undergrowth. Once again McMurray demonstrates his command of the saxophone above and beyond the range of mere mortals.
We Got by: A lovely vocal by Kem that conveys the sentiments behind the title - packed with emotion. Reminiscent of Al Jarreau.
The Plum Blossom: A flute tour de force and I, for one, wasn't complaining. With incredible dexterity and no shortage of breath McMurray seemed to be going for the flute playing endurance record. Somewhere around the three to four minute mark he paused for a breather allowing the keyboards a few bars before shooting off again over a funky Afrobeat.
I Love Life Even When I'm Hurting: Strange sounds as if from some distant galaxy. Soprano sax is the main voice here. There's plenty happening even when, at times, it is almost dirge-like.
Find Your Peace: Back to tenor and that unique sound. Drums once more disrupting the quest for peace. Canady is a formidable player and he's been on the money since track two.
The Wheel: A catchy head, tenor sax setting the pace over a pulsating rhythm with some vocal chanting also in the mix. The wheel gathers momentum it's almost out of control before sanity prevails and it draws to a halt.
An impressive album - think in terms of musical, class 6, white water rafting and you've got the picture. Lance
Available from Nov. 14 HERE.
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