Speaking in Tongues

Recorded in 1997 and released in 1999 on the Justin Time label, 'Speaking in Tongues' represents a significant moment in David Murray's late-90s discography where he explicitly reconciled his avant-garde 'loft jazz' roots with his upbringing in the Church of God in Christ. While Murray had always incorporated gospel elements into his playing, this album serves as a dedicated exploration of traditional spirituals. The collaboration with Fontella Bass (of 'Rescue Me' fame) is central to the album's identity, providing a vocal authority that matches Murray's instrumental intensity. The ensemble, featuring Hugh Ragin on trumpet and Jimane Nelson on organ, creates a sound that Mother Jones aptly described as 'electrified soul.' The tracklist is a curated selection of hymns and spirituals, reimagined through a lens of post-bop complexity and free-jazz liberation. It stands as a testament to Murray's ability to innovate within tradition rather than simply deconstructing it.