Steve Davis Quintet at Smoke Jazz Club

Steve Davis Quintet
SMOKE Jazz & Supper Club
New York, NY
November 7, 2024

Steve Davis is a compelling trombonist who has gained deserved attention from his periodic gigs at Smoke and for his excellent recent recordings on Smoke's Sessions label, which draws chiefly on live performances from this cozy club on Broadway in upper Manhattan. I heard the opening set on Thursday November 7 when the Davis and his current all-star group released a new CD on the Smoke label, a brilliant swinging recording entitled We See.

The members of the quintet on stage were identical to those on the new recording: inimitable Ralph Moore on tenor, Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Renee Rosnes piano, Essiet Essiet on bass and ever-dynamic Lewis Nash on drums.

The group took the stage promptly at 7:05 for an early show. Kicking off with the classic tune "Milestones," Davis lead the charge with his lyrical trombone. His supporting cast was super tight. Moore provided a special treat because this overlooked saxophonist possesses enormous range and is well known for his classic recordings with the late Cedar Walton. On this night, Moore's sound was crystalline, his improvisations singular and unerring.

The second tune of the set was the lovely, "To Wisdom, the Prize," composed by the late pianist Larry Willis, who starred with Davis on Smoke's 2017 session, Think Ahead. Next came another classic, "We See," by Monk. The band soared to Monk's lines: Nash deftly kicking off the tune with a swinging solo. Henderson, giving lie to his 84 years, played with verve and vitality. Rosnes piano stylings of echoed Monk without sacrificing her own flair for lyrical dissonance.

These three compositions also open the new album from Davis, and so gave the rapt audience a tasty introduction to the disc.

After these soul-pleasing performances, Davis took a moment to deliver a clear and true declaration. "It's a dream band," he said.

Enhancing the dream-like quality to the evening, Davis then introduced Abena Koomson-Davis to the stage. She launched into a strikingly original rendition of "God Bless the Child." Abena's voice gave nods to Billie Holiday's classic account; she also put her own stamp on the familiar song. Her presence reinforced the sense of celebration surrounding the appearance by Davis and friends, since Abena is more than a fine singer but also Davis' wife.

The trombonist, who's recordings for Smoke Sessions are among the finest by any trombonist in recent years, closed off his comments with a recollection of sitting in with Art Blakey in 1989 at the outset of his performing career. A resurgent hard bopper, Davis is at the peak of his powers, whether live or recorded; and so are his memorable bandmates.

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