Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Orbert Davis: Blue Notes

378

Orbert Davis: Blue Notes

By

Sign in to view read count
Orbert Davis: Blue Notes
No pretense surrounds Chicago trumpeter Orbert Davis's third effort, Blue Notes. The album eulogizes the hard bop ethos of the '60s Blue Note catalog. Davis covers classics from that period like Wayne Shorter's "Hammer Head" and Herbie Hancock's "Driftin'." The trumpeter's own composition, "Back in the Day," sounds like a cross between "Watermelon Man" and "The Sidewinder."



This is isn't to say that Blue Notes is a sterile recycling of another era's sound. Davis imbues the tunes with his own touches. The rhythm behind the all-so-familiar theme of "Back in the Day" drives a bit harder, and the appearance of Jose Rendon's congas adds a spicy twist. Davis is as much known for his classical inclinations as his jazz playing, both manifest in "Glass Walls," an atmospheric piece he penned as part of a larger suite. Also, the Spanish brass feel of "Dear D'Lana" and the edgy, modern bite of "The Real Deal" don't exactly fit the hard bop paradigm.



Davis' improvisation also keeps things fresh. A clear tone and powerful sound characterize his trumpet style, and he sustains high register flurries and long notes during his solos that will delight listeners.



The album also offers a variety of instrumental combinations: the quartet formation of the leader's trumpet with his regular rhythm section of Ryan Cohan (piano), Stewart Miller (bass), and Kobie Watkins (drums); a sextet, featuring unison lines and fleet soloing by Ari Brown on tenor saxophone and Tracy Kirk on trombone; and vocals by Dee Alexander on "Blue Notes" and "Life Is Short."



Visit Orbert Davis on the web.

Track Listing

Blue Notes; Hammer Head; Back in the Day; Dear D'Lana; The Real Deal; Steppin' Up; Glass Walls; Life is Short; Driftin'; Shaw Nuff

Personnel

Orbert Davis
trumpet

Orbert Davis - trumpet; Ari Brown - tenor sax; Tracy Kirk - trombone; Ryan Cohan - piano; Stewart Miller - bass; Kobie Watkins - drums; Alejo Poveda - timbale, cowbell, shaker; Jose Rendon - congas, bongos

Album information

Title: Blue Notes | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: 3Sixteen Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.