To celebrate jazz saxophonist Loren McMurray, about whom there is a resurgence of interest following Archeophone Records recent CD release “The Moaningest Moan of them All: The Jazz Saxophone of Loren McMurray (1920-1922) – this is the last of three transfers from my own collection that I’m posting this week.
Here we find Loren McMurray at a high point in his career: fronting his own band and recording for the Gennett record label. We also hear him at the top of his game: his bold melodic lines connecting and weaving through the harmonies effortlessly like no other recorded saxophonist at the time.
Listening to him still feels fresh and surprising – a wonderful example of an early improvised solo. It’s no wonder this record sold well.
As I learned from Colin Hancock, a great tragedy of jazz was McMurray’s untimely passing a week before he had scheduled his third recording session with the Thumpers. If the four songs we have are any indication of what might have been, I concur with Mssrs Hancock and Berresford that McMurray is deserving of more recognition and credit for his contribution to jazz.
Rest in Peace, Mr. McMurray.
Recorded in New York City on June 8, 1922.
Released as Gennett 4904.
Credits:
Loren McMurray – alto saxophone
Joseph Colling – Trumpet
George Crozier – trombone
Thomas Swift – piano
Matt Grogan – banjo
Be sure to check out my interview with producer Colin Hancock about his Loren McMurray CD release on Archeophone Records – “The Moaningest Moan of them All: The Jazz Saxophone of Loren McMurray (1920-1922)” – which was recently nominated for a GRAMMY award for Best Historical Album.
https://youtu.be/j6WxtLP8PWM