Saxophonist David Murray has a lengthy, ongoing relationship with Chicago percussionist Kahil El’Zabar. Since the duo’s simpatico performance on The Golden Sea (Sound Aspects)–the first pairing of the hornman’s freedom-seeking revisionism and the timekeeper’s meditative appropriation of African roots–their compelling juxtaposition of fiery postbop blowing and serene rhythms has matured into something of a musical institution. While sticking closer to its leader’s hypnotic explorations of ritual, the aptly named Ritual Trio, El’Zabar’s enduring collaboration with bassist Malachi Favors and reedman Ari Brown, has explored similar terrain. Both Favors, a founding member of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and Brown have no problem taking the music out, but the demands of the Ritual Trio normally keep them somewhat controlled. As far as I know this gig marks the first time Murray has joined the Ritual Trio, and it’s loaded with potential. Murray spits out recordings at an alarming rate and in myriad contexts, but his best work–from
