''Prophecy'' is an album by bassist

Fred Hopkins Fred Hopkins (October 11, 1947 – January 7, 1999) was an American double bassist who played a major role in the development of the avant-garde jazz movement. He was best known for his association with the trio Air with Henry Threadgill and St ...

and cellist and composer

Diedre Murray Diedre Murray is an American cellist and composer specializing in jazz and musical theater. She also works as a record producer and curator. As a performer she has worked with Leroy Jenkins, Marvin "Hannibal" Peterson, Henry Threadgill, Muha ...

. It was recorded in August 1990 at RPM Studios in New York City, and was released by About Time Records in 1998. On the album, Hopkins and Murray are joined by guitarist

Brandon Ross Brandon K. Ross is an American jazz guitarist. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Career Ross did clerical work for Leroy Jenkins before playing with Archie Shepp and Marion Brown in the second half of the 1970s. He has performed with Wad ...

and drummer Newman Baker.

Reception

In a review for

AllMusic AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...

, Thom Jurek called the album "a knotty, steamy, smoky ride through the various entanglements associated with a jazz ensemble whose principals are all string players," and wrote: "The compositions here may be by Murray, and her cello is everywhere, but the depth of feeling and closeness of the ensemble are evidenced here by the gigantic presence of Hopkins, a musician who believed that what made music go from one person to the next was the simple transference of emotion." Glenn Astarita of ''

All About Jazz ''All About Jazz'' is a website established by Michael Ricci in 1995. A volunteer staff publishes news, album reviews, articles, videos, and listings of concerts and other events having to do with jazz. Ricci maintains a related site, ''Jazz Near ...

'' described the album as "a wonderfully exciting recording," and remarked: "Besides the abundance of twists, turns and surprises, there are many cohesive elements to this music, which at times borders rock, free jazz and blues; hence, descriptions are difficult. Trying to categorize this music is a daunting task so with that stated, you'll have to hear for yourself. Highly Recommended." Another ''AAJ'' reviewer stated: "The... idea behind... ''Prophecy'' emphasizes continuity and fluidity of musical thought... Within a fairly straight-ahead setting, soloists trade off with accompanists in very subtle ways... the players come up with some interesting arrangements and improvisational surprises... Occasional forays into a freer sound keep the music from deflating... the iron rock of the group is bassist Fred Hopkins... His depth and focus keep the band grounded." Duck Baker of

Jazz Times ''JazzTimes'' is an American magazine devoted to jazz. Published 10 times a year, it was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1970 by Ira Sabin as the newsletter ''Radio Free Jazz'' to complement his record store. Coverage After a decade of growth ...

commented: "The group sound is very tight, as Murray's compositions reflect classical influence, but there is also a sort of chamber jazz-rock feeling to some of the proceedings... The feeling is very arranged and controlled, sort of like updated Chico Hamilton."

Track listing

All compositions by Diedre Murray. # "Eureka" – 8:28 # "Prophecy" – 7:42 # "Waterfall" – 11:01 # "Doo-Wop II" – 8:30 # "Song for the Lost People" – 5:55 # "Calypso" – 8:07

Personnel

– bass *

– cello *

– guitar * Newman Baker – drums

References

{{Reflist 1998 albums Fred Hopkins albums Diedre Murray albums