David Murray
*David Murray was born on February 19, 1955. He is a Black jazz saxophonist and composer.
Since the mid-1970s, he has recorded prolifically for many record labels. David Keith Murray was born in Oakland, California, United States. He attended Pomona College for two years as a member of the class of 1977 and received an honorary degree in 2012. He was initially influenced by free jazz musicians such as Albert Ayler, Ornette Coleman, and Archie Shepp.
He gradually evolved a more diverse style in his playing and compositions. Murray set himself apart from most tenor players of his generation by incorporating elements of mainstream players Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, and Paul Gonsalves into his mature style. Murray was a founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet with Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill, and Hamiet Bluiett. He has recorded or performed with musicians such as Henry Threadgill, James Blood Ulmer, Olu Dara, Tani Tabbal, Butch Morris, Donal Fox, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Sunny Murray (no relation), Ed Blackwell, Johnny Dyani, Fred Hopkins, Don Pullen, Randy Weston and Steve McCall.
David Murray's circular breathing technique has enabled him to play long phrases. In 2024, Murray released an album with his new quartet, Francesca. His wife, Francesca Cinelli Murray, produced and directed a video animation for the title “Ninno.” The album was selected #2 2024 Best Jazz Album of the Year by the New York Times and among the best jazz albums of the year by Downbeat. David Murray lives in New York City. He performs primarily on the tenor and bass clarinet quartet and will release the next album in the spring of 2025 with Verve Records.
To Become a musician or Singer
To Become a Conductor or Composer
