Shakill's Warrior

by Scott YanowTenor saxophonist David Murray has recorded so many CDs during the past 20 years that it is difficult to keep up with them. This one finds him in mostly restrained form, updating the tenor/organ soul jazz tradition with Don Pullen (who sticks exclusively to organ), guitarist Stanley Franks and drummer Andrew Cyrille. The music, with the exception of some typical Murray outbursts into the extreme upper register, is generally respectful and soulful, one of Murray's mellower efforts. Unfortunately, Columbia has since ended its association with DIW so this release will be a difficult one to find.