Ming's Samba
David Murray · 1989
39 min · 5 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz improvisation and world music rhythms, creating a rich sonic tapestry that celebrates cultural diversity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ming’s Samba — The title track combines intricate melodies with a spirited samba rhythm, highlighting Murray's mastery of blending genres while maintaining jazz's improvisational essence.
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Rememberin’ Fats (For Fats Waller) — This tribute to Fats Waller showcases Murray's deep-rooted respect for jazz history, intertwining playful motifs with heartfelt solos that evoke nostalgia.
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Walter’s Waltz (For Walter P. Murray) — A poignant composition dedicated to Murray's father, it features lyrical saxophone lines that convey emotion and personal narrative through its waltz structure.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalMing's Samba combines jazz improvisation with world rhythms, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness in its execution.
What we noticed
- The first track features a prominent, syncopated rhythm that sets a lively tone, while the following tracks explore varying tempos and textures.
- Each piece showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to interact dynamically and develop themes organically.
- The album incorporates elements from various world music traditions, blending them seamlessly with jazz structures throughout its five tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo grooves
- celebratory cultural homage vibes
- thoughtful reflections of nostalgia
- suitable for relaxed gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced thrills
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Explores cross-cultural themes, marking a departure from earlier jazz styles.
- Career context
- By 1989, David Murray was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative approach. 'Ming's Samba' marked his first release of the decade, following the acclaimed 'The Hill' from 1987, and showcased his ability to fuse traditional jazz with global influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Charles Lloyd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ming’s Samba 10:54
- 2 Rememberin’ Fats (For Fats Waller) 8:44
- 3 Nowhere Everafter 2:52
- 4 Spooning 7:31
- 5 Walter’s Waltz (For Walter P. Murray) 9:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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