The perfect setting for the innovative
David Murray is the octet that he leads on an irregular basis. This spirited set has tributes to
Ben Webster and
Lester Young but is at its best when the full ensemble (trumpeters
Hugh Ragin and Rasul Siddik, trombonist Craig Harris, altoist
James Spaulding, pianist
Dave Burrell, bassist Wilber Morris and drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr., along with the leader on tenor and bass clarinet) get to improvise together. This is one of their strongest all-round recordings with "Hope Scope" being a particular highpoint. ~ Scott Yanow