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| David Murray and his Black Saint Quartet Live at Birdland NYC Justin Time announced the release of Sacred Ground, the latest recording in the label's long-term relationship with the visionary reedman/composer David Murray. The incredibly prolific tenorman has achieved international recognition not only for his highly regarded musical prowess, but also for his tireless explorations of African-American cultural evolution and the socio-political environment that has so profoundly affected it. With the powerfully compelling Sacred Ground, his tenth album as leader for Justin Time, Murray confronts a historically overlooked and suppressed outrage perpetrated upon African-Americans following the American Civil War and continuing through The Great Depression more than half a century later. During those years, thousands of African American families were violently expelled from more than a dozen U.S. counties in the name of "ethnic cleansing." David Murray and his Black Saint Quartet--featuring pianist Lafayette Gilchrist, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Andrew Cyrille--will perform music from Sacred Ground during an engagement at Birdland, located at 315 W. 44th Street in NYC, from Wednesday June 13 to Saturday, June 16. Inspired by his involvement as composer of the soundtrack for filmmaker Marco Williams' Banished (selected for the Sundance Film Festival and scheduled for broadcast on PBS), an unflinching indictment of this shameful era in American history, Murray was compelled to explore this tragic theme further. Sacred Ground is the result. In his quest, Murray enlisted two contemporary African American icons - poet/novelist/social commentator and Renaissance Man Ishmael Reed, and Grammy-award winning, multi-faceted vocalist Cassandra Wilson - to collaborate with his muscular Black Saint Quartet (also known as the Power Quartet). This is David's first recording with the Quartet since the tragic loss of its original pianist, John Hicks. Lafayette Gilchrist, an informal student and admirer of the great pianist, fills in admirably here, alongside the other regular members, the remarkable bassist, Ray Drummond and the brilliant drummer Andrew Cyrille. This recording also marks another milestone in the collaborative relationship of Murray and Reed that has spanned 25 years, including three albums spawned by Reed's book Conjure, a number of European tours and a performance in Japan. For Sacred Ground, Reed - who also wrote the highly informative liner notes - was asked to write two poems for Ms. Wilson to serve as the lyrics for two Murray compositions. In his inimitable style, Reed has hewn two gems of immense power, perfectly conveyed by Cassandra Wilson's most singular style; the title piece and "Prophet Of Doom", which bookend the album. Wilson's molten velvet voice is perfect for "Sacred Ground", a haunting ballad that opens the album and is highlighted by Murray's emotionally wrenching tenor solo, filled with accusation, hurt, anger and pride - all prodded by the turbulent rhythm section. Sacred Ground will take its place among David Murray's most significant works. To quote the often stated phrase of the late, great and lamented trumpeter/conjurer Lester Bowie, "David Murray, you've done it again!" write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |