Following David Murray’s critically acclaimed 2022 album Seriana Promethea with his Brave New World Trio featuring Brad Jones and Hamid Drake, his latest Francesca, out now on Intakt, re-introduces audiences to his firebrand style of tenor playing, on a series of punchy, hook-laden originals that are the perfect platform for his muscular sound, this time in the company of his quartet comprising Marta Sanchez on piano, Luke Stewart on bass, and Russell Carter on drums.

With a discography boasting over a 100 albums, Murray's command of the studio is as remarkable as his dexterity on the stage. Channelling his 50-plus years as a performer with a diverse array of icons ranging from Elvin Jones to the Grateful Dead, Francesca distils his distinctive sound into a powerful set of originals backed by a dynamite band.

Francesca is also testament to Murray's endless creativity, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles. Recorded at Hardstudios in Winterthur, Switzerland, following a triumphant European tour, the album is a reflection of the quartet's profound camaraderie and their dedication to exploring each composition with depth and nuance.

Commenting on his bandmates, Murray says of pianist Marta Sanchez's contribution to Francesca is particularly notable: "Marta exemplifies an international flair of a pianist that is well-schooled in classical music with a subtle approach to jazz, having studied the greats like Randy Weston, Fats Waller, James P. Jonson, Cecil Taylor and John Hicks. She is very sensitive and explosive." Bassist Luke Stewart's mastery of the bass is another highlight of the album, as Murray remarks, "His bow articulation is excellently suited to whatever I demand and he swings my band. Out of the tradition of Jimmy Garrison and Fred Hopkins, he is the next cat on this instrument for this era of Jazz."

Drummer Russell Carter's precise and powerful performance on Francesca further enhances the album's dynamic range, as Murray remarks, "To have a drummer as precise and powerful as Russell is rare. His sensibilities are endless, and he really listens and responds effortlessly and tastefully. A drummer's drummer."

See the animated video for ‘Ninno’ below and for more info visit davidmurray.xyz

from www.jazzwise.com