What makes Children by David Murray notable?

This album is notable for its ambitious length and complex arrangements, which helped to further establish Murray's reputation as a boundary-pushing musician. It received positive critical reception, contributing to the discourse around modern jazz in the mid-1980s, and highlighted the merging of diverse musical traditions that influenced subsequent artists. By 1984, David Murray was emerging as a significant figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, having already released several acclaimed albums. 'Children' followed his 1983 album 'Home' and showcased his continued evolution as a composer and bandleader, bridging traditional jazz elements with global influences.

How many songs are on Children?

Children has 4 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Children

David Murray · 1984

42 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of avant-garde jazz and world music, weaving intricate melodies with rhythmic complexity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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David - Mingus — This track pays homage to Charles Mingus through intricate improvisation and deep emotional expression, showcasing Murray's mastery of the saxophone.
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Death — With its haunting themes and dynamic shifts, this piece reflects on mortality, allowing Murray's emotive playing to take center stage.
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Tension — The interplay of rhythm and melody creates an atmosphere of suspense, exemplifying Murray's ability to craft engaging narratives within his compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong improvisational elements, establishing a unique sound in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features four tracks, each exceeding six minutes, allowing for extended improvisation and exploration of themes.
Murray's saxophone leads with intricate melodies while the rhythm section employs complex polyrhythms that shift throughout the pieces.
The arrangement includes moments of silence and dynamic contrasts, creating tension and release within the compositions.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped establish Murray's reputation in avant-garde jazz with its ambitious arrangements.
Career context: By 1984, David Murray was emerging as a significant figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, having already released several acclaimed albums. 'Children' followed his 1983 album 'Home' and showcased his continued evolution as a composer and bandleader, bridging traditional jazz elements with global influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Charles Lloyd