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 MURRAYtenor sax, bass clarinet
HUGH RAGIN, GRAHAM HAYNES, RASUL SIDDIK, JAMES ZOLLARtrumpets
CRAIG HARRIS, FRANK LACY, AL PATTERSONtrombones
VINCENT CHANCEYfrench horn
BOB STEWARTtuba
KAHLIL HENRYflute, piccolo
JOHN PURCELLalto sax
DON BYRONbaritone sax, clarinet
SONELIUS SMITHpiano
FRED HOPKINSbass
TANI TABBAL drums
JOEL A. BRANDONwhistle on "Paul Gonsalves"
LAWRENCE "BUTCH" MORRISconductor
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 MURRAYtenor sax, bass clarinet
HUGH RAGIN, GRAHAM HAYNES, RASUL SIDDIK, JAMES ZOLLARtrumpets
CRAIG HARRIS, FRANK LACY, AL PATTERSONtrombones
VINCENT CHANCEYfrench horn
BOB STEWARTtuba
KAHLIL HENRYflute, piccolo
JOHN PURCELLalto sax
DON BYRONbaritone sax, clarinet
SONELIUS SMITHpiano
FRED HOPKINSbass
TANI TABBAL drums
JOEL A. BRANDONwhistle on "Paul Gonsalves"
LAWRENCE "BUTCH" MORRISconductor
Arrangements by David Murray and Lawrence "Butch" Morris
Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, NYC on March 5-6, 1991
DIW CK 48964