David Murray - Lovers (DIW, 1988)

This post is by Dan

David Murray (ts); Dave Burrell (p); Fred Hopkins (b); Ralph Peterson, Jr. (d)

Recorded January 1988

I promised in my earlier post for David Murray's The Hill to feature one of his amazing quartet recordings with Dave Burrell. Lovers, released on the Japanese DIW label, is representative of that body of work, and I could have picked any or all of them. The other albums are Tenors, Deep River, Ballads, and Spirituals. All were recorded in New York City and released on DIW in both LP and CD formats.

The music on Lovers is a delight from start to finish. There are no dull or annoying passages to be heard - anywhere! If I had to choose a favorite track (which I don't), I'd pick Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood." Murray plays the melody conventionally (why would anyone not play this exquisite piece the way it was written?). Burrell then plays the bridge and turns it into his solo statement. Murray then solos, exhibiting tremendous control over his extended techniques and dynamics to craft a masterpiece of improvisation. Murray also excels on the title tune, progressing in his solo from gentle to joyful to ecstatic, all the while pulling the band along with him. He also plays extended codas to several pieces.

Of the band members, Burrell is probably the least known, despite a recording career spanning 53 years (1969-present) and including over 150 recording credits, according to Discogs. As a major voice in the avant garde music of the late 1960s, Burrell recorded with the likes of Archie Shepp, Marion Brown, Noah Howard, Sunny Murray, and Grachan Moncur III. Except for a few records released by the Impulse! label, most of his work appeared on European labels (e.g., Fontana, BYG Actuel, and America Records). 

On Lovers, Burrell contributes the album's most memorable solo on "Ming," a tune Murray wrote for his wife. This is the most unique version I've heard of this song, which Murray included on a number of his other albums. Burrell makes this one of the best versions of "Ming."

A special mention goes to bassist Fred Hopkins, who excels on arco on Burrell's "Teardrops for Jimmy," a tune dedicated to Jimmy Garrison. Drummer Ralph Peterson apparently sits this one out. Hopkins uses arco again to turn Peterson's modal ballad "Water Colors" into a minor miracle. We don't find him playing a "walking" bass here; it's definitely more of a "talking bass." I also like Peterson's toms on this one. 

The reputable sound engineer Jim Anderson did the recording and mixing. The vinyl pressings are excellent - the sound is full and spatial. I imagine the CDs are also high quality.

Overall, Lovers and the other DIW albums represent a creative pinnacle in the career of David Murray. All of these records are highly recommended.