" data-original-title="" title="">Keith Pray's Universal Blues present a sonic gateway that ultimately leads to an overall significant musical experience. Throughout his career, saxophonist Pray, a highly talented and well-respected upstate New York artist, has been an avid explorer of textures and tonalities. With Universal Blues he and his mates deliver an intelligent and intriguing album. Through an eclectic array of Pray's original compositions, the group displays vivid emotional and creative expression while examining that unique element- -the titular "universal blues"—which permeates the ethos of humankind's music and diverse cultures.

Universal Blues engages ear and mind. Although Pray's liner notes detail the album's concept and the inspirations for each composition, the music here is so varied and so texturally beautiful that multiple listenings might lead one down entirely different paths of enjoyment. That's a hallmark of great art.

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