David Murray, sax/Mal Waldron, piano – Silence – Justin Time

by | Jul 20, 2008 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

David Murray, sax/Mal Waldron, piano – Silence – Justin Time JUST 186-2, 60:06 *****:

There’s no notes of any sort with this CD, a la ECM, thankxalot. Suspicions that this is not a new recording are supported by the fact that Waldron died in Brussels – where this session was recorded in 2001 – in 2002.  Waldron had a distinctive style of chordal voicings, originally inspired by Thelonious Monk, and often performed duos with other performers – notably soprano saxist Steve Lacy.  This is a terrific duo with one of the most exciting saxophonists playing today – David Murray.  

The choice of tunes on the seven tracks is first rate, with originals by both Murray and Waldron, plus Sammy Cahn’s I Should Care and one each by Miles and Elllington. The more avant free-jazz-leaning Murray tracks are alternated with more strongly melodic ones. Murray’s tone is rich, compelling and all his own – beautifully captured in the very clean recording quality, and well balanced with Waldron’s Steinway D274.  I think all sessions without a rhythm section demand more  from the performers and result in better improvisations, as does this one.

TrackList: Free for C.T., Silence, Hurray for Herbie, I Should Care, Jean-Pierre, All Too Soon, Soul Eyes.

 – John Henry

Related Reviews
Logo Pure Pleasure
Logo Crystal Records Sidebar 300 ms
Logo Jazz Detective Deep Digs Animated 01