Shakill’s Warrior cover

Shakill’s Warrior

Released

This 1992 release is one of Murray’s mellowest non-ballad releases; it’s an organ jazz date with Don Pullen at the keys, Stanley Franks on guitar, and Andrew Cyrille on drums. Cyrille’s innate precision and sharp, cracking snare are perfect for these bluesy, soulful grooves, and Franks mostly stays out of the way as Pullen and Murray dig deep without ever exploding the way the listener might expect. This is old-school soul jazz in the mid ’60s Blue Note tradition, with just a few avant-garde outbursts to keep things exciting.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
Rag, Bush and All cover

Rag, Bush and All

Henry Threadgill Sextett
Nightlife cover

Nightlife

Erase Errata
Funky Donkey, Vols. 1 & 2 cover

Funky Donkey, Vols. 1 & 2

Luther Thomas, Saint Louis Creative Ensemble, Human Arts Ensemble
Mother Ship cover

Mother Ship

Larry Young
United cover

United

Woody Shaw
Egon Bondy’s Happy Heart Club Banned cover

Egon Bondy’s Happy Heart Club Banned

The Plastic People of the Universe
Tone Dialing cover

Tone Dialing

Ornette Coleman & Prime Time