Just saw them at the Vanguard. Same ensemble, same basic set. I've seen Murray play many times, with many different groups. Starting in the 1980's. I saw him in 2018, also at the Vanguard, very different ensemble. I just don't know if I can get used to the mustache being gone. Man. We all get old. But when he starts playing, he's young. But I knew about Murray--what really got me was the sterling younger players he had with him. Jazz lives. Thanks for posting this--while nothing beats the club experience, I can more easily see the individual players. Like Marta Sanchez' dancing fingers. I did get a good view of Luke Stewart's bass technique that night. Next time, show up early, get a better seat. ;)
IMO David Murray is very overrated player,I've caught him live and on records since the early 80's. His Paul Gonsalves tribute concert in Boston 20 years ago was a joke. His abililites certainly don't merit him having one of the largest recorded outputs of any Jazz artist of the last couple of decades. A media darling early on when over-hyping new young saxophonists as the 2nd coming of Trane was commonplace. As a player he is not even close a Gary Thomas, Branford, Potter. When the critics would place a Chico Freeman or Murray above a Brecker in the Down Beat polls I'd just sit back and say WHAT!!!
I disagree with you completely....but music is very subjective ....Archie Shepps sound for example grabs me...David Murray has so many great albums as well...he has always challenged himself The WSQ the Octet...Flowers for Albert.....The Amiri Baraka collaboration record......a lifetime of memorable music....
