The David Murray big band, which can be undisciplined and even a bit out of control, is never dull. This generally brilliant effort has quite a few highpoints. "Paul Gonsalves" recreates the tenor's famous 1956 Newport Jazz Festival solo and has some heated playing from the ensemble. While "Lester" does not really capture the style of Lester Young, "Ben" does bring back the spirit of Ben Webster. "Calling Steve McCall" is a heartfelt tribute to the late drummer (although the poetry does not need to be heard twice) and trombonist Craig Harris' singing on "Let the Music Take You" is so-so, but the colorful "David's Tune" and the eerie "Istanbul" are more memorable. This disc is easily recommended to listeners with open ears. - Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Tracks
1. Paul Gonsalves (David Murray)
2. Lester (David Murray)
3. Ben (David Murray)
4. Calling Steve McCall (Lawrence "Butch" Morris/Craig Harris)
5. Lovejoy (Craig Harris)
6. Instanbul (David Murray)
7. David's Tune (david Murray)
8. Let The Music Take You (David Murray)
DAVID MURRAY tenor sax, bass clarinet
HUGH RAGIN, GRAHAM HAYNES, RASUL SIDDIK, JAMES ZOLLAR trumpets
CRAIG HARRIS, FRANK LACY, AL PATTERSON trombones
VINCENT CHANCEY french horn
BOB STEWART tuba
KAHLIL HENRY flute, piccolo
JOHN PURCELL alto sax
DON BYRON baritone sax, clarinet
SONELIUS SMITH piano
FRED HOPKINS bass
TANI TABBAL drums
JOEL A. BRANDON whistle on "Paul Gonsalves"
LAWRENCE "BUTCH" MORRIS conductor
Arrangements by David Murray and Lawrence "Butch" Morris
Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, NYC on March 5-6, 1991
DIW CK 48964
1. Paul Gonsalves (David Murray)
2. Lester (David Murray)
3. Ben (David Murray)
4. Calling Steve McCall (Lawrence "Butch" Morris/Craig Harris)
5. Lovejoy (Craig Harris)
6. Instanbul (David Murray)
7. David's Tune (david Murray)
8. Let The Music Take You (David Murray)
DAVID MURRAY tenor sax, bass clarinet
HUGH RAGIN, GRAHAM HAYNES, RASUL SIDDIK, JAMES ZOLLAR trumpets
CRAIG HARRIS, FRANK LACY, AL PATTERSON trombones
VINCENT CHANCEY french horn
BOB STEWART tuba
KAHLIL HENRY flute, piccolo
JOHN PURCELL alto sax
DON BYRON baritone sax, clarinet
SONELIUS SMITH piano
FRED HOPKINS bass
TANI TABBAL drums
JOEL A. BRANDON whistle on "Paul Gonsalves"
LAWRENCE "BUTCH" MORRIS conductor
Arrangements by David Murray and Lawrence "Butch" Morris
Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, NYC on March 5-6, 1991
DIW CK 48964