Entertainment Weekly (p.69) - "Murray's alternating currents -- reflection and rage -- plug into powerful context." -- Grade: A-
JazzTimes (p.74) - "[T]his is a spirt-infused outing....The stylistic range spans from ethereal meditation through jaunty, Spanish-tinged swing to freedom-bound ecstasy."
Vibe (p.133) - "'Transitions' rides a breezy West Indian groove, and 'Family Reunion' dips into upright jazz-funk..."
David Murray (Jazz)/Cassandra Wilson: David Murray (bass clarinet); Lafayette Gilchrist (piano); Ray Drummond (bass guitar); Andrew Cyrille (drums).
Additional personnel: Cassandra Wilson (vocals).
Inspired by his involvement with the film BANISHED, a documentary that explores the little-known mass expulsion of families from the U.S. after the Civil War, David Murray extends his musical meditation on history to his 2007 effort SACRED GROUND. Employing the talents of writer Ishmeal Reed, vocalist Cassandra Wilson, and his acclaimed Black Saint Quartet, Murray pursues his always progressive musical vision in the service of complex, searching historical questions.