Billie Davies: Retrospectives (In The Key Of Jazz)

Retrospectives (In The Key of Jazz) showcases a body of work by drummer Billie Davies that was created over a six year period. The musicians answered her call, recording albums and performing on her acoustic or hybrid drum set from 2012 to 2018. These pieces of music have never been released and are all improvisations that happened during rehearsals and/or performances in between or leading up to her album projects in Hollywood and New Orleans.

"Hollywood Boulevard From The Window" opens with a bass solo and trumpet. As the collaboration begins, both are synchronized in a frenzy of improvisation. Drum riffs enter, intertwining with the buzzing horns, creating a free jazz explosion. "Do Do Kindje Doo" opens with a French lullaby inspired by "Jean Pierre" written by Miles Davis. Davies recognized the lullaby from her childhood reminiscing about when her grandmother and her aunts would sing it to babies. The song stayed in her mind for years.

"Sunraaah" features an eclectic opening of rhythms from guitar synthesizer, hybrid drums and layered textures, all combining to create an improvisational and free jazz atmosphere. "Melancholia Abstractissimus" unfolds with a suspenseful, moody and futuristic air, at once smooth yet whimsically unpredictable. Unconventional sounds weave through the piece, anchored by Davies' exceptional drumming. The ensemble matches her intensity and freedom, each musician carving out their own space in the sonic landscape. It is free jazz at its finest hour. "Improvisationality" begins with a soft guitar solo that continues throughout the piece, while the rhythm section quietly performs free jazz improvisation. The tempo picks up with rhythm guitar bass, and drums locking into a steady groove.

"An Improvisation" opens with a streaking trumpet, followed by a slow procession of improvisation, each musician growing to their own internal rhythm. The tempo increases midway, shifting focus to the rhythm section as bass and drums lead the flow. "An Improvisation Too" offers a nice upbeat groove. A trombone solo opens the piece, setting the mood before trumpets enter alongside drums and bass in a tight improvisational exchange. "Art" opens with a drum tap and piano note. Allie Porter's vocals speak of being open and expressing oneself freely and uniquely. Subtle baritone saxophone lines and a soft piano improvisation accompany upright bass and drums in a rhythmically sensitive performance.

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