"The perfect setting for the innovative David Murray is the octet that he leads on an irregular basis. This spirited set has tributes to Ben Webster and Lester Young but is at its best when the full ensemble (trumpeters Hugh Ragin and Rasul Siddik, trombonist Craig Harris, altoist James Spaulding, pianist Dave Burrell, bassist Wilber Morris and drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr., along with the leader on tenor and bass clarinet) get to improvise together. This is one of their strongest all-round recordings with "Hope Scope" being a particular highpoint". AMG
"Hope Scope is a fiery recording from 1987, full of boisterous yet controlled energy. Along with his work with the World Saxophone Quartet, David Murray is most well known for his work with his Octet and big band. Hope Scope contains the entirety of jazz history within the parameters of Murray's compositions, and there are touches of Jelly Roll Morton in tandem with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus, as well as a hefty dose of group improvisation.
Hope Scope continues the hard-bop sound as exemplified by Live at Sweet Basil Vol. 1 and Murray's Steps, and peppers it with touches of lyrical melody. The year Hope Scope was released also saw the release of New Life, and The Healers, his duo record with Randy Weston. Unlike other artists who might have suffered burnout from producing so much in a short period of time, Murray seems to thrive in states of hyperactivity. The pleasure and privilege is the listener's". Tonwsend Records Review
1. Ben (For Ben Webster)
2. Same Places New Faces
3. Hope Scope
4. Lester (For Lester Young)
5. Thabo
Hugh Ragin - trumpet
Rasul Siddik - trumpet
Craig Harris - trombone
James Spaulding - alto sax
David Murray - tenor sax, bass clarinet
Ralph Peterson Jr. - drums
Dave Burrell - piano
Wilber Morris - bass
Recorded May 12th, 1987. Released by Black Saint in 1987.
All tracks by Murray, except #2 (Craig Harris) and #5 (Ralph Peterson Jr.)
link@320
"Hope Scope is a fiery recording from 1987, full of boisterous yet controlled energy. Along with his work with the World Saxophone Quartet, David Murray is most well known for his work with his Octet and big band. Hope Scope contains the entirety of jazz history within the parameters of Murray's compositions, and there are touches of Jelly Roll Morton in tandem with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus, as well as a hefty dose of group improvisation.
Hope Scope continues the hard-bop sound as exemplified by Live at Sweet Basil Vol. 1 and Murray's Steps, and peppers it with touches of lyrical melody. The year Hope Scope was released also saw the release of New Life, and The Healers, his duo record with Randy Weston. Unlike other artists who might have suffered burnout from producing so much in a short period of time, Murray seems to thrive in states of hyperactivity. The pleasure and privilege is the listener's". Tonwsend Records Review
1. Ben (For Ben Webster)
2. Same Places New Faces
3. Hope Scope
4. Lester (For Lester Young)
5. Thabo
Hugh Ragin - trumpet
Rasul Siddik - trumpet
Craig Harris - trombone
James Spaulding - alto sax
David Murray - tenor sax, bass clarinet
Ralph Peterson Jr. - drums
Dave Burrell - piano
Wilber Morris - bass
Recorded May 12th, 1987. Released by Black Saint in 1987.
All tracks by Murray, except #2 (Craig Harris) and #5 (Ralph Peterson Jr.)
link@320
