James Davis' Beveled: Arc and Edge

Beveled, according to Webster's, translates roughly to "slanted" or "grooved." On Arc and Edge, flugelhornist James Davis' Chicago-based sextet clearly has its own slant on contemporary post-bop jazz wherein the groove ranges from typically improvised passages to cutting-edge motifs and classical chamber music, using a second flugelhorn, two bass clarinets and rhythm to flesh out the leader's sonically unique and harmonically sophisticated compositions.

The second flugelhorn is that of Chad McCullough. Geof Bradfield and Michael Salter man the bass clarinets while bassist Daniel Thatcher and drummer Juan Pastor blend the rhythmic ingredients. Compositions and arrangements are by Davis, who leans most often toward somber and low-key medium tempo themes. Which is fine as far as it goes—but an occasional change of pace would not have been unwelcome.

"Pulsar" comes as close as any number to producing any perceptible heat, but nowhere near enough to overshadow the frosty atmosphere that prevails elsewhere. What this means is that everyone has to work harder than usual to create and maintain a sense of momentum and excitement. As the saying goes, they have their work cut out for them. Aside from that, the music is by and large sensible and pleasing, with only a lapse or two into dissonant realms.

The flugelhorns are melodious and easy on the ear, the bass clarinets a welcome departure from the usual brass and winds, and there are a number of pleasurable exchanges between them. While Thatcher and Salter do not have a lot of heavy-duty work, their support is sound and reliable. As to solos, most are satisfactory, albeit more perfunctory than essential to any composition as a whole.

The music is certainly well-played, and Davis no doubt accomplished whatever purpose he had in mind. That purpose, however, has a limited scope when considered in a jazz context. That is to say, it should please those whose taste in music is more intellectual than visceral, which is fine. Those who favor jazz with stamina and fire in its belly will find none of that here.

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