Be My Monster Love

Description

'It is the quality of the composing - above all the richness of the melodies - that makes this album one of Murray's most immediately appealing.' -- Jazzwise * * * * 'Saxophonist Murray is the most exciting live performer in jazz...this is a return to form.' -- The Independent On Sunday * * * * 'David Murray's new quartet has the spring and sparkle of a blowing session in a 70s Manhattan loft... blues-rooted, purposeful and tight, with Murray's fire and virtuosity matched by that of his guests.' -- Financial Times * * * * 'The pairing of avant-garde maven David Murray with idiosyncratic R&B diva Macy Gray might seem an odd one, but their collaboration on the languorous title track is an inspired one...Gregory Porter works his alchemy on three outstanding vocal cuts.' -- Mojo * * * * 'Amid a slew of deeply serious jazz releases, it's refreshing to come across an album of irrepressible optimism...Murray's heartfelt tenor sax adds to the fervour.' -- The Daily Telegraph * * * * 'Murray's air-splitting exuberance is complemented by inventive piano playing from Marc Cary. But it's the guest vocals, from Macy Gray and Gregory Porter, that might attract new listeners, with Porter calling to mind Nina Simone, Gil Scott Heron and Leon Thomas at their most soulfully eloquent.' -- The Herald 'Murray's inventiveness on the fast-swinging Stressology and rich ballad sound on Sorrow Song are highlights on a session in which a fine quartet including pianist Marc Cary is augmented by vocalists Gregory Porter and Macy Gray...is rousingly raw on the title track.' -- The Guardian 'There may be guest vocalists but Murray's tenor saxophone is the real star, a fruity mix of vintage swing and free-ish jazz on these bluesy, gospel-ish tunes.' --The Times