wangaratta jazz festival 2008 - headline act number 1
david murray is a well respected african american sax playerfounding member of the world saxophone quartet
grammy award winner, prolific recording artist (130 albums), etc, etcprior to this performance he and his outfit had played at the basement
i had been offered a ticket but declined knowing i would catch them at wang
they came on stage to a rousing reception from a hungry audience
possibly some like me disappointed by the opening show
and presumably also some like me having travelled far and wide
eager to get their ears around some seriously good music
i think about 2 bars of music was all it took to appease
the quartet hit the ground running and never let up
on one other occasion this year i recall the same feeling
witnessing a performance that surpassed all else seen in recent times
interestingly enough that other performance was also a u s performer
with a band dominated by african americans in charge of rhythm
which on this night had me thinking maybe that's the secret ingredient
but of course analysis is not recommended - better to just enjoy
and so it was as i let mr murray's groove slide and glide into my head
he looking and sounding like he had been born with his saxophone
prowling the stage and appearing to effortlessly blast it out
a rich, deep, melodic sound that dominated the large venue
his fellow musicians equally talented and essential to the sound
jaribu shihad on double bass particularly impressive
his instrument, long dreadlocks and leather coat visually intimidating
his command of the double bass laying in a solid backbone
young dummer malik washington all over his drumkit
he too looking like he would be out of place anywhere else
on piano lafayette gilchrist adding in flourishes as required
not so much competing or combining with david murray
but filling the gaps whenever the man took a break
there were a few polite and gracious words spoken between tunes
and by the end of the set an audience demanding and rewarded with more
afterwards i had the pleasure of chatting to the band at the cd stall
as they graciously signed cds for the clamouring crowd
in no hurry to get away and happy to mix it with the fans
i did ask david murray how the gig at the basement went
oh - that was fun - we had a great time
this man genuinely loves his job
the end of day 1 at wang
sounding good
