Versatile American saxophonist David Murray, whose influences range from Sonny Rollins to Ornette Coleman, surrounds himself here with American and Guadoupean musicians and the results are torrid. On the horns, Murray and trumpeter Rasul Siddik, meld perfectly in rhythmic choruses. The tunes, mostly originals by Murray and cohorts, are buoyed by the furious drumming of gwo kas masters Klod Kiavue and Francois Ladrezeau.
Joining the session, blues veteran Taj Mahal sings two songs, including the poignant plea for compassion "Africa." For the rocking "Southern Skies," Taj joins Sista Kee from San Francisco in a sassy duet. On this one, the whole crew is unleashed for an eight-minute celebration, with Siddik’s trumpet breaking loose and setting free the wild guitars of Christian Laviso and Herve Samb.
On the title track, the gwo kas cook up a romping-stomping foundation for Sista Kee’s spirited and lively tale of her undoing of the devil. The song includes a no-holds-barred run on tenor by Murray. Following this, "Congo" pleasantly blends jazz and island rhythms with Murray and Siddik exchanging licks against a background of choral chants.
No doubt about Murray’s stellar jazz chops. We are blown away with his solo on "Canto Oneguine." This CD is great listening, and a sure thing for party time.
