What makes Ming by David Murray notable?

Ming is notable for its critical acclaim, with reviews highlighting Murray’s unique ability to meld diverse musical traditions. The album solidified his reputation as a pioneering jazz artist during the late 20th century, influencing a generation of musicians exploring the intersections of jazz and world music. Released in 1980, Ming marked David Murray's transition into a more exploratory phase of his career, following his acclaimed debut album, 'Flowers for Albert'. At this point, Murray was gaining recognition as a leading figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, blending traditional elements with innovative approaches to composition and performance.

Ming works well if you're into steady pacing for focus, gradual build to finale and vibrant rhythms for engagement.

How many songs are on Ming?

Ming has 5 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Ming

David Murray · 1980

39 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz improvisation and world music influences that invites listeners into a rich sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Fast Life — This track showcases Murray's powerful saxophone work and features complex rhythms that capture the essence of his innovative style.
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Ming — The title track presents an engaging interplay between melody and improvisation, encapsulating the album's thematic exploration of cultural fusion.
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Dewey’s Circle — This piece highlights intricate arrangements and collaborative improvisation, reflecting the album's core ethos of collective creativity within jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Ming showcases strong improvisation and diverse influences, marking a notable phase in Murray's career.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track allowing for significant solo exploration by the musicians.
The first track opens with a fast tempo and gradually introduces world music elements, while the subsequent tracks shift in pace and mood.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for focus
gradual build to finale
vibrant rhythms for engagement
immersive saxophone explorations

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seeking standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Ming established David Murray's reputation as a pioneering jazz artist.
Career context: Released in 1980, Ming marked David Murray's transition into a more exploratory phase of his career, following his acclaimed debut album, 'Flowers for Albert'. At this point, Murray was gaining recognition as a leading figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, blending traditional elements with innovative approaches to composition and performance.
Stylistic neighbors: Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Charles Lloyd