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Steve Davis: Images - The Hartford Suite
ByDavis' writing, firmly established in the hard-bop tradition, emphasizes singable themes with tight two and three part harmonies. Each tune offers plenty of wide-open space for solos. An adept improviser with quick-fire agility and relaxed phrasing, Davis sets the pace with winding and witty turns on up-tempo burners ("Nato," "Tune for Calhoun"), medium swingers ("Twain's World," "J Mac's Way") and Latin-inspired grooves ("Park Street," "Kenney's").
Alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo and pianist David Bryant share the spotlight throughout, with vibrant, effervescent lines, spurring each other on with intensity and camaraderie. DiRubbo does a more than adequate job channeling the spirit of the late alto sax giant McLean on "J Mac's World." Evans brings added warmth to the session, albeit sporadically, especially with flugelhorn in hand on the hauntingly buoyant "Mode for Miantonomoh." Bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Eric McPherson are solid yet extremely pliable, pushing the top-end of the beat and adding creative intuitiveness.
Who knew Hartford was so hip? Left to the eyes and ears of Davis, the city comes off as one of the swinging-est places on the map. ImagesThe Hartford Suite is no-nonsense, small group jazz at its finest.
Track Listing
Nato; The Modernist; Twain's World; J Mac's Way; Mode for Miantonomoh; Rose Garden; Tune for Calhoun; Park Street; Kenney's; Club 880.
Personnel
Steve Davis
tromboneSteve Davis: trombone; Mike DiRubbo: alto saxophone; David Bryant: piano; Dezron Douglas: bass; Eric McPherson: drums; Josh Evans: trumpet, flugelhorn; Kris Jensen: tenor saxophone (10).
Album information
Title: Images - The Hartford Suite | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records