| Recordings and concerts that feature string players (violins, violas, cellos and sometimes double basses) are one of the enduring traditions in jazz. Although others visited the territory before him, it's widely held that Charlie Parker popularized and legitimized the concept with his much-loved Bird with Strings records in 1950 and 1952. Despite critics having panned the record on its release, it's now considered a classic, and is reputed to be Bird's favorite of his own recordings.
David Murray's passionate commitment to musical truth and excellence, so consistently expressed in his recordings and concerts the world over, continues with his new quartet recording with strings, Waltz Again. Joining the ten person string section are longtime collaborators Jaribu Shahid (bass), Hamid Drake (drums) as well as young Baltimore pianist Lafayette Gilchrist, whose playing David Murray has championed for many years. |