David S. Ware
Surrendered
Columbia
CK 63816

Review by Micah Holmquist
July 2, 2000

Saxophonist David S. Ware is in many ways an ambassador for the avant-garde of jazz. While most performers toil away with little recognition and, if they do record, are signed to labels that can’t generate more than minimal exposure, Ware has a contract with Columbia Records. There are legitimate questions about the extent to which Columbia is actually backing Ware and whether or not his first release on the label —1998’s Go See the World- was a commercial disappointment, but it is nonetheless clear that Ware has more of a shot at getting the attention of the broad jazz public than any other musician on the edge.

All of this brings me to Surrendered, which, in some ways, appears to live up to its name. Ware hasn’t given up on making great and challenging music but there is a noticeable lack of attack from the tenor saxophonist on the opener, "Peace Celestial." Ware seems willing to just wander with his thoughts at a slow pace while mocking any vestige of pressure. Next up is a rendition the Charles Lloyd composition "Sweet Georgia Bright" where the band toys with the traditions and conventions of jazz.

Still all is not at ease here. "Theme of Ages" is a dramatically measured piece that Ware jumps into with a growl that only grows angrier as the track progresses. The title cut comes next and has Ware merging anger with African American gospel in a nearly seamless fashion. The results in this vein aren’t as good here as they were on his 1996 work Godspelized but there is little room for complaint. "Calypso Drums" has Ware using Calypso styling, much like his mentor Sonny Rollins is famous for doing, but with a sense of drive that does not let up. Finally, on the nearly 17 minute long closer, "African Drums," Ware channels the sound of John Coltrane circa 64 and 65 in ways that are nothing short of stunning.

Ware is clearly the star here but the other players get plenty of moments to shine. Pianist Matthew Shipp spends most of this recording fusing abstract styles with the refined influences of pianists like McCoy Tyner. This has long been one of Shipp’s fortes but it is increasingly becoming the main focus of his playing and the results are as superb as they have been on other recordings. And William Parker is William Parker. The bassist’s talent shines on every track but is particularly evident on "Sweet Georgia Bright" with his quick witted and playful responses to Ware and Shipp. While Shipp and Parker have both recorded and toured extensively with Ware in recent years, Surrendered is the saxophonist’s first commercial release with Guillermo E. Brown on the skins. Brown does not have a voice as distinct as that of Susie Ibarra, the woman who previously held this spot, and the music sometimes lacks the added spark that a player like Ibarra can provide. Still, he is more than competent and manages to keep up with the other players by laying down heavy beats. At times his playing recalls Elvin Jones and a drummer could pick far worse individuals for inspiration.

So, in short, Surrendered has both veterans at the top of their game and a younger player with immense talent. You can’t ask for much more.

Track Listing: 1. Peace Celestial; 2. Sweet Georgia Bright; 3. Theme of Ages; 4. Surrendered; 5. Glorified Calypso; 6. African Drums

Personal: David S. Ware, tenor saxophone; Matthew Shipp, piano; William Parker, bass; Guillermo E. Brown, drums

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