Be My Monster Love

Reception

The Allmusic review by Thom Jurek awarded the album 3½ stars stating "Be My Monster Love is a diverse, travel modern creative jazz through a prismatic lens. While Murray's compositions are tighter and more song-like than ever (the presence of these excellent vocalists highlights this), he simultaneously offers a group of stellar players the opportunity (collectively and individually) to shine and push their margins. Highly recommended". JazzTimes observed "For all the concepts in motion, this is one of Murray’s most relaxed albums in a while. More often than not, he’s in classic tenor mode, pouring out bruisingly melodic lines". On All About Jazz, Phil Barnes said "Jazz seems to struggle to cross over these days, but gems such as these are still there to be unearthed - they may not have the media profile of the past but the musical quality and innovation remains. Lets hope that someone out there in the mainstream is listening".

Track listing

All compositions by David Murray except as indicated

1. "French Kiss for Valerie" - 6:55
2. "Be My Monster Love" (lyrics by Ishmael Reed) - 6:35
3. "Stressology" - 6:45
4. "Army of the Faithful (Joyful Noise)" (lyrics by Ishmael Reed) - 6:19
5. "Sorrow Song" - 8:58
6. "About the Children" (lyrics by Abiodun Oyewole) - 7:49
7. "The Graduate" - 5:41
8. "Hope Is a Thing with Feathers" (lyrics by Ishmael Reed) - 7:19

Personnel