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David S. Ware recovering from kidney transplant
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Art and soul: David S. Ware (from left), William Parker, Joe Morris and William Smith.
According to the folks at the AUM Fidelity imprint, saxophonist David S. Ware is on the mend following a kidney transplant last week. One of the premier players on the New York City underground scene, Ware, 59, was diagnosed with kidney failure a decade ago. He had been self-administering dialysis ever since, but the treatment began to fail late last year, and the search was on for a compatible kidney donor. Laura Mehr, whose late husband had spent time with Ware some 30 years ago, stepped forward, and both she and Ware are reportedly doing well following the May 12 surgery.
On his recording, Shakti, which was released earlier this year, Ware sounds as strong as ever. He's one of those old-school players whose technical mastery never gets in the way of pure, visceral expression. Original compositions shimmer with Eastern-flavored exotica — particularly the 18-minute epic "Nataraj," and in the stark, chiming kalimba intro to "Namah" — and bustle with a propulsive, urban underground vibe. (Cue up the tri-part title track for a heart-racing example of the latter.) Throughout, Ware's playing is full of conviction and urgency, as well as the bluesy undertones that mark his work whatever the setting.
For the first time, Ware incorporates guitar into his ensemble. The ever-creative Joe Morris plays unison lines with — and intriguingly comps behind — the leader, adding some dynamic tension and texture to the proceedings, and functioning almost like a second horn. Veterans William Parker, a longtime Ware sideman, and Warren Smith, on bass and drums respectively, perform heroically, slipping in and out of time and providing impressionistic color and texture with utmost sensitivity. These cats are masters: Parker unself-consciously switches from rich-toned pizzicato to keening arco, and Smith skitters across snare and cymbals with a dancer's light touch.
Last year, Ware and pianist Matthew Shipp went their separate ways after a 20-year association. Shipp's latest release, Harmonic Disorder, is a bracing piano-trio recording that hits with great force and clarity. Morris signs up here, as well, only this time playing bass instead of guitar. The third member, drummer Whit Dickey, also played in Ware's quartet.
A months-long recovery is expected for Ware, and, with any luck, he'll be back up on the bandstand and blowing with his trademark intensity and integrity.
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