SACRED GROUND is a fascinating and important new recording that grew from David Murray's involvement in the acclaimed documentary film Banished, directed by Marco Williams. Although it's virtually unknown, more than a dozen counties in the U.S. violently expelled thousands of families between the Civil War and the Great Depression. The film - and this recording - explores not only these historical facts, but also the legacy of these events in the communities and for the decendants of the families. David Murray enlisted poet Ishmael Reed, one of today's pre-eminent African-American literary figures. Reed wrote two poems, performed here by the great Cassandra Wilson. This first class group is completed by Lafayette Gilchrist (piano), Andrew Cyrille (bass) and Ray Drummond (drums). Tracks: Sacred Ground / Transitions / Pierce City / Banashed / Believe In Love / Family Reunion / Prophet Of Doom .