David Murray and lyricist Ishmael Reid made this CD inspired by 'Banished', which is about African-Americans who were kicked out of their homes. So, it's serious stuff. Cassandra Wilson sings on the first and last songs, and Murray's quartet with Lafayette Gilchrist, Ray Drummond, and Andrew Cyrille play throughout. Much of the music, as you might expect, is blues-based and timeless. It doesn't say modern nor throwback, which is what you'd expect from someone whose free jazz albums continue the jazz tradition. "Transitions" and "Family Reunion" are upbeat and positive-sounding. The playing is strong throughout - David Murray is one of the contemporary greats. Cassandra Wilson's vocals are also very good. The lyrics on the opener are more serious, and the lyrics on the closer are a little more playful. The liner notes say Reid played with the meaning of "Cassandra".

This is recommended for Murray fans, or any fans of jazz, really.

(from an extended feature, copyright 2007 Michael F. Hopkins)

Rich in balladry that's strong, serenading, and significant in
the scope of its call, SACRED GROUND is David Murray at his finest.
Deadly and robust as ever in his swing and spirited shout, the
legendary tenor saxophonist brings a particularly haunting shimmer
to the vibrant presentations which fill this latest album from
Montreal's Justin Time Records.
With a quartet featuring Murray alongside drummer Andrew Cyrille,
bassist Ray Drummond, and pianist Lafayette Gilchrist, the superb
dynamics strike deep into the heart and soul. Cyrille is ever the
artful juggler of tempo-tossed thunder which sings and steps
the lightning into sensuous being.
Drummond weaves sheer harmonic tapestries which thread the
rhapsodies with tensile wonder. Gilchrist, taking inspiration from the
sterling chromatics of the astonishing
John Hicks, sets the measure of his
own thematic effervescence here, with performances which playfully
linger long after the day is done. The dare and intimacy of this
quartet's presentation stirs insight which intrigues and compels
all who encounter the tales this Music has to tell.

Two selections, the title theme and the finale ("The Prophet Of
Doom"), feature telling lyrics by master satirist Ishmael Reed,
honed to their most tantalizing poetics by acclaimed singer
Cassandra Wilson. Reed also supplies the CD's exceptional liner
notes, telling the absorbing tale of how the Music and this album
came to be.
Originally written as the soundtrack for the monumental documentary
BANISHED (go to , and gain
sobering wisdom),
Murray's compositions tell a sweeping tale of people in
struggle which cannot be denied. Listen to the twilight wail of
Murray's bass clarinet paying tribute and serving notice on
"Banished", drawing unstoppable tone portraits of sorrow and
tears, blood and trial, lament and resilience.
This entire album is alive with a determined compassion and nimble
wisdom indicative of the greatest Music ever made, and is especially
representative of the Music we know as Jazz. Hanker down to the
down-home surry of "Family Reunion", step into the sauntering tango
of "Believe In Love", and stroll into song which strikes a prevailing
Joy into all who hear.

Travel the paths made by David Murray and all he represents, and know
the full spectrum of human feeling. Know the precious bounty of
walking SACRED GROUND.

Start here.