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Steve Davis: Images - The Hartford Suite

By Bruce Lindsay
June 6, 2010
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Steve Davis: Images - The Hartford Suite

Trombonist/composer Steve Davis was commissioned by the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz to compose Images: The Hartford Suite, with track dedicated to a contemporary or historical Hartford figure or place. Thankfully, a detailed knowledge of Hartford, Connecticut is not a prerequisite for the enjoyment of this music; the talent and enthusiasm of the musicians accentuate this set of upbeat, positive, swinging tunes.

This is the Davis quintet's second album, following Outlook (Posi-Tone Records, 2008). Every member of the band swings with genuine power. Davis plays his trombone with a rich and rounded tone that melds perfectly with the softer tone of

Mike DiRubbo

saxophone, alto
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike DiRubbo's alto. The addition of

Josh Evans

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Josh Evans on trumpet and flugelhorn on tunes such as "Kenney's" adds depth to the overall horn sound. The rhythm section drives everything along with just enough of a push to ensure that the band sounds energetic but never hurried.

Eric McPherson

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric McPherson's cymbal work is exceptional throughout, his freedom to create intricate and subtle patterns assisted enormously by Dezron Douglas' strong bass lines.

Davis credits

Billy Strayhorn

piano
1915 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Strayhorn's influence on "Rose Garden," a slower and more reflective tune with Davis and pianist

David Bryant

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">David Bryant contributing lovely, sparse solos. The tempo may be slow, but it's by no means sad or pessimistic; elsewhere, however, tempos are quicker and the tunes are more overtly positive. Bop influences are also direct—not unexpectedly, given that Davis has worked with

Art Blakey

drums
1919 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Blakey and acknowledges the great influence of

Jackie McLean

saxophone, alto
1932 - 2006

" data-original-title="" title="">Jackie McLean, to whom he dedicates "J Mac's Way." On "Tune For Calhoun" it's the influence of bebop that has the upper hand; a fast, explosive, number that gives every member of the quintet a chance to deliver effective solos. Kris Jensen adds tenor sax to "Club 880," which creates a real bite and fullness to the horn lines on this up-tempo tribute to the Hartford jazz venue.

Images: The Hartford Suite is a beautiful work, beautifully played. Inventive but also accessible, this is a celebratory album of uplifting tunes that should find this quintet receiving deserved wider recognition.

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Track Listing

Nato; The Modernist; Twain's World; J Mac's Way; Mode for Miantonomoh; Rose Garden; Tune for Calhoun; Park Street; Kenney's; Club 880.

Personnel

Steve Davis

trombone

Steve Davis: trombone; Mike DiRubbo: alto saxophone; David Bryant: piano; Dezron Douglas: bass; Eric McPherson: drums; Josh Evans: trumpet, flugelhorn; Kris Jensen: tenor saxophone (10).

Album information

Title: Images - The Hartford Suite | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records

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