David Murray We Is: Live At The Bop Shop CD

People who dig the authentic in art take heart from the music drummer/percussionist Kahil El'Zabar has made for more than 25 years, since he established the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. Joining El'Zabar is David Murray, one of the most voracious and prolifi

Personnel: Kahil El'Zabar (drums, percussion); Kahil El'Zabar; David Murray (bass clarinet, tenor saxophone).
Recording information: The Bop Shop, Rochester, NY (03/29/2000).
Photographer: Marty Perez.
Although at first glance a full-length tenor-sax/drums duet set might lack variety, this matchup between David Murray and Kahil El'Zabar is on another level. For one thing, El'Zabar plays percussion as much as drums. In addition, neither musician is afraid to use space and silence, and there is no need to play at top volume and intensity all of the time. They are able to form coherent statements without the need for a full rhythm section, and they communicate together very well. The opener "Groove Allure" is relatively peaceful and lyrical while "We Is" is more violent and passionate. "Blues Affirmation" is particularly intriguing, with Murray preaching soulfully on tenor over El'Zabar's thumb piano and affirmative chanting/singing. Murray switches to bass clarinet for "One World Family" and states a powerful melody on "Sweet Meat" before an El'Zabar drum solo. This adventurous and well-constructed live set holds one's interest throughout and is well worth several listens. ~ Scott Yanow

JazzTimes (p.89) - "An important aspect of Murray's appeal on tunes like these is the way he uses blues tonality as touchstone. He goes way out, but the blues never leaves."