Tenor saxophonist
David Murray & the Gwo-Ka Masters
mix together aspects of
jazz
with African rhythms (propelled by both
Klod Kiavue
and
Hamid Drake
on drums), occasional group vocals, a flexible horn section, and
Christian Laviso
's distinctive guitar. Most intriguing is the opportunity to hear both
Murray
Pharoah Sanders
taking raging solos over catchy but unpredictable grooves. Freed from playing
standards
or very
free improvisations
,
really thrives in this exotic setting, which was inspired by his move to France.
"Gwotet,"
"Ouagadougou,"
"Djolla Feeling"
are high points, but there are no slow moments during the infectious set of danceable but somewhat unclassifiable music. ~ Scott Yanow