Tenor saxophonist David Murray & the Gwo-Ka Masters mix together aspects of jazz with African rhythms (propelled by both Klod Kiavue and Hamid Drake on drums), occasional group vocals, a flexible horn section, and Christian Laviso's distinctive guitar. Most intriguing is the opportunity to hear both Murray and Pharoah Sanders taking raging solos over catchy but unpredictable grooves. Freed from playing jazz standards or very free improvisations, Murray really thrives in this exotic setting, which was inspired by his move to France. "Gwotet," "Ouagadougou," and "Djolla Feeling" are high points, but there are no slow moments during the infectious set of danceable but somewhat unclassifiable music. ~ Scott Yanow
Professional Reviews
Down Beat (p.66) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[Sanders] now builds his solos logically and excitingly....GWOTET holds loads of fire..."
JazzTimes (pp.119-20) - "The integration of the Caribbean island's indigenous music and instrumentation with American jazz and funk results in intoxicating grooves, itchy polyrhythms, ebullient chants, rich melodies and explosive improvisations."
