Ballads for Bass Clarinet

Recorded in 1991 and released on the prestigious Japanese label DIW, Ballads for Bass Clarinet represents a significant moment in David Murray's discography where he foregrounds his secondary instrument. While Murray is a titan of the tenor saxophone, his work on bass clarinet is arguably more influential, as he helped liberate the instrument from its 'novelty' status in jazz. The quartet featured here is exceptional: John Hicks provides a harmonic richness that leans into the 'ballad' theme, while Idris Muhammad demonstrates why he was one of the most versatile drummers in history, shifting from delicate brushwork to firm, swinging support. The album is notable for its emotional weight, particularly on 'Elegy for Fannie Lou' and 'Portrait of a Black Woman,' where Murray's playing takes on a narrative, almost eulogistic quality. Critics often note that despite the lower register, Murray's phrasing remains as agile and 'vocal' as his saxophone work, bridging post-bop sensibilities with the fire of the avant-garde.