Murray, Allen & Carrington: Perfection (Montema)

The outstanding artists involved with this album—saxophonist and bass clarinetist David Murray, pianist Geri Allen and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington—praise the name of saxophone giant Ornette Coleman on a recording produced just one week after the legend’s passing. The title, Perfection, represents a Coleman original that until now had never been recorded. It breathes with life as the trio is augmented with previous Coleman associates: bassist Charnett Moffett, trombonist Craig Harris and trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr.

819+hdhZcfL._SL1500_The bulk of the inspirational material comes from each of the prolific pens of these all-star leaders. It is a trio whose individual credentials soar to the very top ranks of modern jazz today.

These musicians, renowned for their superb creative instincts and technical skills, greatly contribute to the expressiveness of the project. Murray, who performs on both the tenor saxophone and the often-poppin’ bass clarinet, takes the opener, “Mirror of Youth.” He always distinguishes himself with his ability to move from inside to out. So it goes with this bass-less trio as well.

There’s a gentle intricacy that overwhelms Carrington’s “Samsara (for Wayne),” a light-hearted offering to saxophonist Wayne Shorter with Murray’s round tenor tone reminding one of jazz’s past. In his natural progression, the saxophonist doesn’t stay there long—and neither do his like-minded, forward-thinking companions Allen and Carrington.

Gentle strength could best describe this trio. Allen’s “The Nurturer” seems to tell it all. It’s there in the roots, the passion, the melody and the vision of jazz eternal. Perfection is, like Ornette Coleman, in the moment, here, now and always.