Search - David Murray :: Dark Star: The Music Of The Grateful Dead

Philip S. from NORWICH, VT
Reviewed on 8/26/2006...

Unlikely premise, but great stuff. David Murray breathing fire.

Better than the others at least

Pharoah S. Wail | Inner Space | 01/14/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I would place this version of "Dead-as-jazz" higher than all the others that are out there but I don't think it's going to blow anyone away, or get too many repeated listentings over time. Compared to the derivative and ultimately uninspired jazz readings that JAZZ IS DEAD gives GRATEFUL DEAD songs this cd is fantastic, but that's only because JAZZ IS DEAD's cds are so dull.



The Dead got weirder, darker, and prettier than this, and so does DAVID MURRAY in his other other musical adventures so this really isn't a great example of either groups. Actually though, if David himself took more of the solos, this cd would be much better than it is. It's too bad that the best musician in this band lays out so much of the time.



If you want to hear "David do Dead", get yourself a copy of the Dead's 9/22/93 with his guest spot. His playing is inspired and he, Phil, and Bobby give stand-out late-years performances (beats anything on this cd), especially during ESTIMATED PROPHET, DARK STAR, SPACE, and WHARF RAT. Jerry's playing is off most of the night though so don't expect him to dazzle you in any way, beyond vocally on Wharf Rat."

Thrilling!

Aaron Gangross | Here and There | 01/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first actual jazz CD I ever bought. Initially, it was the Dead connection that convinced me to buy it, but what a band Murray put together! As someone who suffered through high school band, this CD is particularly entertaining. Murray and the other wind players break every rule I was taught (intentionally overblowing notes, for example). Shakedown and Samson are rather wild, Estimated Prophet sounds almost sinister, and China Doll and Dark Star are beautiful. The final track is a duet with the Dead's Bob Weir on guitar. I have never heard anyone play a sax like David Murray. He's one of the few people who can take an instrument and create a distinctive, instantly identifiable sound. After five years, I still haven't gotten tired of this. Play it often and LOUD."