What makes Now Is Another Time by David Murray notable?

This album is significant for its seamless blending of jazz with Caribbean and African musical elements, reflecting the globalization of jazz in the early 2000s. It received positive critical reception, reinforcing Murray's status as a leading voice in modern jazz and influencing younger musicians exploring similar fusions. In 2003, David Murray was an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative approach and contributions to avant-garde jazz. 'Now Is Another Time' marks a continuation of his prolific output following albums like 'Dark Star' (2000), showcasing his evolution as a musician while exploring new textures and influences.

Who is Now Is Another Time for?

Now Is Another Time works well if you're into thoughtful exploration of sound, celebratory rhythms for gatherings and headphone detail hunting experience.

How many songs are on Now Is Another Time?

Now Is Another Time has 7 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Now Is Another Time

David Murray · 2003

72 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of modern jazz and world rhythms that invites listeners into a lush sonic landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Sad Kind of Love — At over twenty minutes, this track exemplifies Murray's exploratory spirit, weaving intricate melodies with deep emotional currents that echo throughout the album.
→
Mambo Dominica — This piece stands out for its infectious rhythm and vibrant instrumentation, celebrating Caribbean influences while maintaining a core jazz sensibility.
→
Break Out — With its dynamic interplay among musicians, this track showcases Murray’s ability to create tension and release, making it a highlight of the album's improvisational journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong composition and craft while blending diverse musical influences, making it distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a vibrant saxophone melody that sets a lively tone, followed by intricate rhythms from percussion and bass.
Each track features extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to song structures.
The use of varied instrumentation, including traditional African and Caribbean elements, creates a rich textural landscape throughout the record.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

thoughtful exploration of sound
celebratory rhythms for gatherings
headphone detail hunting experience
gradual build to emotional peak

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Blends jazz with Caribbean and African elements, marking a departure from previous styles.
Career context: In 2003, David Murray was an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative approach and contributions to avant-garde jazz. 'Now Is Another Time' marks a continuation of his prolific output following albums like 'Dark Star' (2000), showcasing his evolution as a musician while exploring new textures and influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Henry Threadgill· Ornette Coleman· Charles Lloyd