Few living jazz artists have made such a consistent contribution to the music over the last five decades as David Murray. At eighty years old he still, in some ways, remains a relatively lesser known player. Yet since his stunning 1976 debut “Flowers for Albert” he’s recorded around 100 albums as a leader alone, let alone countless group and sideman projects. He defines prolific and he encapsulates a dedication to jazz with a huge, distinctive sound both gloriously original and steeped in the tradition.
Remarkably in such an active jazz life this is his first recording in Rudy Van Gelder’s legendary studio and fittingly for Murray, who tuned 80 a few months ago, his debut for Impulse Records! It’s an apt moment for a man who follows clearly in the tradition of those other Impulse! heroes Albert Ayler and Archie Shepp.
In recent times Murray has released a series of albums for the brilliant and bold Swiss Intakt label. Last year with a quartet of Marta Sanchez on piano, Luke Stewart acoustic bass and Russell Carter drums he made the superlative Francesca. It’s this same quartet that are in great form for his Impulse! debut. It’s a special set with a wonderful concept for these turbulent times. Birdly Serenade is a collection of new compositions all inspired by the original improvisors : birds. The album is the latest instalment in the Birdsong Project, an arts based conservation initiative which already features works from Yo Yo Ma, Mark Ronson and The Flaming Lips.
Here’s the project’s producer Randal Poster on Murray’s addition to that list : “The Birdsong Project is honoured to present this birdly serenade by David Murray and his genius quartet. Inspired by a world of birds, the music on these recordings are overflowing with Murray magnificence. David’s writing and playing is incomparable. He and the band take flight again and again, like the birds we love.”
Of particular joy are tracks where the quartet are joined by vocalist Ekep Nkwelle for original lyrics that extends the theme. He she is in the studio with David and the band for the album’s title track here
Birdly Serenade is another joyful addition to this hugely important artist’s extraordinary catalogue. Long may he soar.
This is our album of the week for the week commencing 17th May 2025