Imagine your favorite jazz musicians finishing a furious all-night jam in a Harlem nightclub on Saturday night, and continuing the improvisational inspirations in a black church down the block! That's the vibe on this soul-stirring release from David Murray, with special guest Fontella Bass, the immortal voice behind the '60s hit "Rescue Me." Backed by keyboardist Jimane Nelson, bassist Clarence "Pookie" Jenkins, trumpeter Hugh Ragin, drummer Ranzell Merritt, and percussionist Leopoldo F. Fleming, Murray's deep, throaty tenor cries and bellowing bass clarinet reveal the many facets of his African American musical roots: from Coltrane to the congregation. Murray and company's Baptist-bop-Muscle Shoals take on the spirituals "A Closer Walk with Thee," "Blessed Assurance," "Amazing Grace," "Don't Know What I'd Do," and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" inhabit the proverbial crossroad that separates sacred music from jazz. Bass's convictional contralto colors the pop-gospel hit "How I Got Over" with feeling, while "Jimane's Creation" and "Missionary"--two compositions penned by Nelson and Murray--feature beautiful hymnlike piano chords, inspired vocalise, and a Mt. Zion meets Motown rhythm. With Murray's stratospheric solos and Bass's faithful testimonials, this CD proves that God comes in many grooves. --Eugene Holley Jr.
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