JAZZ REVIEW : Mixed Set of Musical Improv From Murray

The concept of emotionally driven jazz improvisation, where freedom always takes precedence over structure, was brought to the jazz public in the mid-to-late ‘50s by then-revolutionaries pianist Cecil Taylor and alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman.

David Murray, one of the most critically acclaimed of Taylor and Coleman’s musical offspring, has long been an enigma attracting both devout adherents who hail him as an innovator on the saxophone/bass clarinet and others who question his significance.

Working before a small crowd of mostly vocal fans at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood on Tuesday, Murray gave a mixed performance.

Except for the explosive closer “Hope/Scope,” Murray based his set on melodic, even swing-rooted originals that he has become known for. Tunes such as “Calle de Estrellas,” with its engaging Latin mood, and the slow and soulful “When the Monarchs Come to Town” revealed Murray’s capacity for ingenious, listenable material.

On these numbers, he offered gusto-packed improvisations that were often an impressive mixture of gusts of notes, bluesy essences and long, stretched phrases, strongly supported by pianist Bob Nell, bassist Kelly Roberty and drummer Tani Tabbal. At times, Murray’s lines would be bold and rhythmically precise, then he’d rush, cramming notes into spaces where they just didn’t fit smoothly, and sound almost amateurish.

His tenor tone, too, was uneven, occasionally turning flabby and flat in the lower register. Paradoxically, in the horn’s upper reaches, he was solidly in tune, and there played with an agility that was remarkable.

It’s doubtful that the 39-year-old Murray, who has recorded more than 150 albums, would alter his approach this late in the game, but some work on fundamental musicianship would greatly enhance his already major stance in the jazz world that embraces both tradition and unstructured playing.

* David Murray plays through Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., at Catalina Bar & Grill, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 466-2210. $12-$15 cover, two-drink minimum.