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
