Jazz Articles about Kris Davis

Kris Davis: The Slightest Shift

by Mark F. Turner
July 2, 2006

If Canadian pianist Kris Davis' auspicious debut, Life Span (FSNT, 2004), was an indication of her progressive tendencies, then The Slightest Shift reinforces those forward-thinking ideas in resounding and surprising ways. Whereas her debut was colored with expansive lyricism and melodic tapestries, the new recording is a bolder statement of Davis' compositional prowess, and the music now involves more abstract, condensed and freer modes. With the help of some seriously open-minded musicians--including drummer Jeff Davis, bassist Eivind ...

Stevie Holland: More Than Words Can Say

by Jim Santella
June 28, 2006

Words are not sufficient to describe the bright spirit that comes from Stevie Holland's latest release. You've got to hear her to understand the many qualities that make up this winning performance. She combines a highly accurate vocal presentation with deeply felt expression and comes up with the best of both worlds. While communication is her forte, Holland also ensures that we're treated to a musical performance of the highest caliber.

The album begins with “Only You, which ...

Kris Davis: The Slightest Shift

by John Kelman
June 25, 2006

Canadian-born, New York-based pianist Kris Davis takes the delicate left-leaning balance of form and freedom of her debut, Lifespan (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2004), and moves even farther away from the center on The Slightest Shift.

While Lifespan featured ensembles ranging from trio to sextet, the new record showcases Davis' working group of saxophonist Tony Malaby, bassist Eivind Opsvik and drummer Jeff Davis--all part of the first group's lineup--and consequently demonstrating the kind of collective interaction that comes from working ...

Kris Davis: Lifespan

by John Kelman
March 20, 2004

Focusing on composition as much as performance, this intriguing programme of originals balances form and structure with free-flowing improvisation. Lifespan is an album that sneaks up gradually; there is much to recommend in this set which is long on lyricism, short on unnecessary displays of technique. The members of this group can play and they know it; consequently the emphasis is on taking the compositional frameworks that newcomer Kris Davis provides and expanding on them in ways that shows everyone's ...