One hears so much of Murray that there is a tendency to take him for granted. This is yet another live concert date, the audience love him and it is easy to think that we have heard it all before. Even the material used could be considered unambitious but the fact is that this most fecund of musical minds seems to have the desire to say something new in all situations.
A gambolling, Rollins-like approach introduces Calle De Estrella before the hard-nosed Murray tenor takes over. Green Satin Dress takes a sinuous route to a squealing finish, while on the swinging Mr PC Murray marauds between the tonal extremities. His beloved Albert gets a facelift and is taken from the relaxed and almost laconical to the outer limits of the stratosphere. The bass clarinet imparts a puckish charm to Octfunk, in what is perhaps a crowd pleaser with Murray at his least inventive.
The propulsive Hopkins and the busy Cyrille get to take useful solos and their leader is happy to ride the superb, rhythmic environment they set up in the full band parts. It would be a cop out to say that this is one for the completists; this is a fine release by any standards.
Discography
Calle De Estrella; Joanne’s Green Satin Dress; Mr PC; Flowers For Albert; Acoustic Octfunk (72.41)
Murray (ts, bcl); Fred Hopkins (b); Andrew Cyrille (d). Germany, July 1993.
Sound Hills SSCD 8051
