David S. Ware New Quartet - Theatre Garonne, 2008

'Th��tre Garonne, 2008' presents a luminous concert from a transitional period in master saxophonist David S. Ware's ever-creative life. Featuring his then new group with guitarist Joe Morris replacing pianist Matthew Shipp after 17-years, plus William Parker back on bass and fellow master musician Warren Smith on drums.

As had been Ware's method with his Quartet, the group worked the new material live on stage together toward a studio recording thereof. That session took place in May 2008, and the album Shakti was the gorgeous result. The change from Shipp's 88 keys to Morris' cleanly articulated lines on 6 strings played a substantial role in the resulting sound. The density of much of Ware's classic Quartet work gave way for a more ready hearing to the nuance & focus on melody which is intrinsic to all his work.

Riding a musical high, the DSW New Quartet flew to France later that same month for a concert at the welcoming and familiar environs of Th��tre Garonne. They performed bountifully expanded and wholly re-arranged versions of compositions on the Shakti album, as well as the equally gripping Durga which is previously unissued in any form. The release of this beautiful concert gracefully doubles the work available by the group.

Personnel: David S. Ware (tenor saxophone), Joe Morris (guitar), William Parker (bass), Warren Smith (drums)