Gwotet cover
Released

Gwo-ka is a polyrhythmic folk music, played on hand drums, originating on the islands of the Guadeloupean archipelago in the Francophone Caribbean. It dates back to the 17th century, but modern gwo-ka performers like drummer and vocalist Klod Kiavue have updated the music somewhat, adding electric bass, congas, and djembe. Gwotet is Murray’s third collaboration with Kiavue, and the music is sweeter and rougher by turns than on 1998’s Creole or 2002’s Yonn-Dé, where they first took the band name David Murray & The Gwo-Ka Masters; some pieces feature as many as eight horns, and gentle, almost highlife-esque guitar. But Murray’s solos frequently reach screaming heights of ecstasy, and when special guest Pharoah Sanders turns up on “Ouagadougou” and “Ovwa,” the energy level goes through the ceiling.

Phil Freeman

Suggestions
Aliseen cover

Aliseen

Kaski, Jorma Tapio
The Path cover

The Path

Chien Chien Lu
Illuminations cover

Illuminations

Carlos Santana, Alice Coltrane
Compulsion cover

Compulsion

Andrew Hill
Polyhymnia cover

Polyhymnia

Yazz Ahmed
Astral Traveling cover

Astral Traveling

Lonnie Liston Smith
Black Hole cover

Black Hole

Full Blast
Fire Illuminations cover

Fire Illuminations

Wadada Leo Smith, Orange Wave Electric
Phase One cover

Phase One

Art Ensemble of Chicago
EthioBraz cover

EthioBraz

Large Unit