Search - Dave Mcmurray :: My Brother & Me: The Best of Dave Mcmurray

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 09/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

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If you've been thinking that a "Best of" collection from one of the most awesome sax players in contemporary jazz should be a no-brainer, then you're not alone. Well, our wait is over, as Hip Bop Records has released a killer collection of Dave McMurray favorites from his previous three Hip Bop albums, plus five previously unreleased tracks. This set of tunes is incredibly hot, with amazing energy and dynamics. Ever since I saw him on tour with Bob James a couple of years ago, I've been a huge fan, and you know what Bob James thinks about him.  Bob says, "[McMurray] is the master of his horns, a dexterous wizard of the saxophones, one who makes each note tell a story!" This Detroit-bred artist tears it up, and this album illustrates that fact beautifully, from the "My Brother and Me (Remix)" w. Bob James to, well, name any other track on this disc. Trust me, it is just that good! The Dave McMurray style reminds me of Grover Washington, Jr., but with the energy level kicked way up. He plays sax (tenor, alto, soprano), flute, keyboards, percussion...and he sings...and it's all amazing! He's worked with stars too numerous to list here...oh, OK, I'll mention Dylan, the Stones, Elton John, Nancy Wilson...get the picture? MY BROTHER AND ME - THE BEST OF DAVE McMURRAY is nonstop ear candy, one track right after the other. It definitely falls into the "essential" category. `Nuff said! ~Scott O'Brien "