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