David S. Ware: Planetary Unknown

David S. Ware (sax)

Planetary Unknown (AUM Fidelity; 2011)

Muhammad Ali (drums)

William Parker (bass)

Cooper Moore (piano)

Reaching far out and beyond has been a hallmark of David S. Ware's music since first bursting on to the scene, over three decades ago.


He has said on many occasions that he is not looking for the notes or the chords. It's the overall direction and the journey the music takes you on that should be the focus. This is what you get on Ware's latest, Planetary Unknown (AUM Fidelity).

Ware's interpretation of sound is beautiful and nearly indescribable. Yes, there is the free jazz element that lays itself on top of the consciousness of the listener but there is a much deeper exploration to be found with each release.

Planetary Unknown is mainly one long improvised session but the one difference here is the musicians have very rarely worked together (with the exception of Parker) so this was not only an unknown adventure but also discovery of what other worldly themes would develop. The epic and endearing opener "Passage Wundang" moves from soft yet intense to blistering and encompassing without notice. Ware's passages over the top of Ali's pulsating drums are rapturous.  Ali later gives way to an emotional yet sparse Moore who utilizes the space underneath to set some key tones. Ware and Parker later rejoin in a subtle blues-like fashion before they all fade to black.

"Duality Is One" actually does start off with "some-what slightly" noticeable string of chords, before spinning into the main theme--an improvised battle between drummer and saxophonist. It's great to see both musicians challenging each other and hit near unreachable notes. Ware really wails and Ali adjusts to the call with ease just as Ware's usually sparing partner William Smith has done for years. "Ancestry Supramental" and "Crystal Palace" both feature some tight rhythmic patterns from Moore that counter Ware's frenetic flow along with Parker and Ali's pulverizing timing. There are hypnotic moments in both pieces no matter how chaotic it may sound.

Planetary Unknown is the sound of an elder statesman who hasn't lost a single step. David S. Ware keeps reaching upward and out. Leaving this world and showing us the way to a new altogether more interesting one. All aboard...

David S. Ware: Onecept

David S. Ware (sax: tenor, stritch, saxello)
Onecept (Aum Fidelity; 2010)
William Parker (bass)
Warren Smith (drums)

David S. Ware's newest release, Oncept (Aum Fidelity) is a celebration on multiple levels. First it is a celebration of a half century of playing saxophone and creating music which has engaged and challenged listeners and the structure of jazz itself. Second it is continued documentation of an artists overcoming adversity (dialysis, kidney transplant) and pushing forward with the exploration of spontaneous sound.

Oncept was recorded just a few months after his return to live performances (as documented on Saturnian (Aum Fidelity; 2009)). The trio which he has worked with in various forms (most recently 2008's Shakti) is in supreme form on Onecept. This is free form improvisational album similar to the solo concert album Satunian. Ware utilizes the same saxophones he used for that concert on this session. While there is a distinct difference in the sound of each horn that Ware uses, the main theme that runs throughout the recording is the unity of the trio.

"Book Of Krittika" opens the set in gripping ascendancy. Ware performs on the stritch sax. Both Smith and Parker are exquisitely in snyc with Ware's vision on this piece. Ware and Parker have a wonderful battle about midway through that is truly magical. "Celestial" is smokin' piece which Smith's drum work is slice of brilliance. Parker and Ware appear to follow along but you soon realize this is one unit playing a breakneck pace. That pace bleeds into "Desire Worlds" (with Ware playing saxello) which see Smith and Parker keep time on a feverishly changing of patterns from Ware. Absolutely stellar stuff.

"Astral Earth" and "Bardo" (Ware playing tenor on "Bardo") are two slightly midtempo gems with emotional resonance that exude the joy and bliss. There is a special connection on Onecept that for me highlights three musicians whose harmonic relationship has produce a collection of brilliant recording over the years. Oncept is just another jewel in the David S. Ware's ongoing career of excellence and creativity. Here's to his 50 years of playing saxophone and hopefully many more.