Tenors

As indicated by the title, David Murray sticks with the tenor saxophone on this date for the Japanese label DIW. Murray tackles five compositions written by Albert Ayler, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Billy Strayhorn, and John Coltrane with his usual combination of restrained intensity and innovation. Rounding out the quartet are pianist Dave Burrell, bassist Fred Hopkins, and drummer Ralph Peterson Jr., who provide a consistently fiery undertone without totally abandoning structure. Burrell’s original “Over Time,” a rag dedicated to the tradition of jazz saxophones and adapted from a theme by Punaluu Peter, is a highlight and fits in with the overall theme of the session. As with most of Murray’s recordings for DIW, Tenors is worth picking up despite the inflated import price tag. – Al Campbell