On August 28, 2025, David Murray's quartet graced Smoke Jazz Club to celebrate the release of "Birdly Serenade," his first album on Impulse! Records since the early 1990s. (wrti.org) The ensemble featured pianist Marta Sánchez, bassist Luke Stewart, drummer Russell Carter, and vocalist Francesca Cinelli, who also contributed lyrics to the title track. (wrti.org) This performance marked a significant collaboration, as it was the first time Cinelli joined Murray's quartet on stage, bringing her poetic sensibilities to the live setting.
The setlist prominently showcased compositions from "Birdly Serenade," including "Black Bird’s Gonna Lite Up the Night" and "Capistrano Swallow," pieces inspired by Murray's reflections on nature and personal memories. (wrti.org) The quartet's synergy was palpable, with each member contributing to the album's intricate arrangements and improvisational explorations. Murray's tenor saxophone and bass clarinet work, combined with Sánchez's dynamic piano, Stewart's resonant bass lines, Carter's rhythmic precision, and Cinelli's evocative vocals, created a rich tapestry of sound that resonated deeply with the audience.
This performance at Smoke was part of a series of album release shows for "Birdly Serenade," following the album's release on April 25, 2025. (wrti.org) The choice of Smoke Jazz Club, a renowned venue in New York City, underscored the significance of this musical milestone for Murray and his collaborators.
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