David S. Ware Quartet
Godspelized
★★★★★
I picked up this CD a while ago, back in November actually. I think it was pretty cheap too, around six or seven dollars. I bought it not only because it was on the DIW label, which I have heard great things about, but also because David S. Ware has been one of the great post-Coltrane saxophonists that has eluded me. And yet even after I bought it, it sat on the shelf for a long while; a decision I greatly regret. But now it has been given multiple listens, and I have spent a full day with this album. And I think I can really type out what I want to say about it.
When I think of a perfect album, one of the first to pop into my mind is A Love Supreme. The magic of that album is hard to describe in many ways but it has certain qualities that are hard to find elsewhere. A combination of true human expression, technique of the highest order, and a communication and cohesiveness between all players that is well understood and allows each player to come together to create something larger than their individual selves. While I, like many others, believed Pharaoh Sanders's album Karma is that album's successor, I have now had a change of heart. Part of that might be due to the obvious similarities and takeaways that are present on that album. Of course no disrespect, as it's great in its own right but here we have an album that truly embodies all of Coltrane's spirit in those sessions. It's not a copy, and I'm sure many couldn't hear anything similar about it.
But to me, it goes above and beyond what a group can be, and what each musician can be. The compositions are daring, soulful, witty, and everything in between. Even the most accessible and tuneful song, "The Stargazers" (a Sun Ra composition actually), is filled with emotion and skill. Although this album might not be actualized in the suite form that A Love Supreme is, each piece works together to help create that illusion. Especially the first four tracks.
I realize that in this album David S. Ware is constantly at the forefront, while some could point this out as a possible sign of superiority compared to the other players, I would disagree. Coltrane was at the front in A Love Supreme, but that certainly didn't take away from each player. Speaking of, I see a lot of McCoy Tyner in Matthew Shipp's playing specifically here. Susie Ibarra's drumming is so colorful and expansive that it coats everyone else in her aura. While William Parker rips that bass up like he's heading out of the atmosphere, like always. But the tone in that sax from Ware, is absolutely out of this world. He plays with conviction, confidence, humility and everything he can put into it. A true example of the instrument directly translating human expression into sound, and his real voice. I am not sure if any of his other albums sound quite like this, but it'll be my time to find out soon. RIP David S. Ware, wish I could've caught him live and thanked him for this.
Favorite Song: Godspelized
When I think of a perfect album, one of the first to pop into my mind is A Love Supreme. The magic of that album is hard to describe in many ways but it has certain qualities that are hard to find elsewhere. A combination of true human expression, technique of the highest order, and a communication and cohesiveness between all players that is well understood and allows each player to come together to create something larger than their individual selves. While I, like many others, believed Pharaoh Sanders's album Karma is that album's successor, I have now had a change of heart. Part of that might be due to the obvious similarities and takeaways that are present on that album. Of course no disrespect, as it's great in its own right but here we have an album that truly embodies all of Coltrane's spirit in those sessions. It's not a copy, and I'm sure many couldn't hear anything similar about it.
But to me, it goes above and beyond what a group can be, and what each musician can be. The compositions are daring, soulful, witty, and everything in between. Even the most accessible and tuneful song, "The Stargazers" (a Sun Ra composition actually), is filled with emotion and skill. Although this album might not be actualized in the suite form that A Love Supreme is, each piece works together to help create that illusion. Especially the first four tracks.
I realize that in this album David S. Ware is constantly at the forefront, while some could point this out as a possible sign of superiority compared to the other players, I would disagree. Coltrane was at the front in A Love Supreme, but that certainly didn't take away from each player. Speaking of, I see a lot of McCoy Tyner in Matthew Shipp's playing specifically here. Susie Ibarra's drumming is so colorful and expansive that it coats everyone else in her aura. While William Parker rips that bass up like he's heading out of the atmosphere, like always. But the tone in that sax from Ware, is absolutely out of this world. He plays with conviction, confidence, humility and everything he can put into it. A true example of the instrument directly translating human expression into sound, and his real voice. I am not sure if any of his other albums sound quite like this, but it'll be my time to find out soon. RIP David S. Ware, wish I could've caught him live and thanked him for this.
Favorite Song: Godspelized
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