Steve Davis (Trombone, Leader) – A veteran of such landmark jazz ensembles as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Jackie McLean’s Sextet, and Chick Corea’s Origin, Steve Davis stands as one of today’s most sought after trombonists. In addition, Steve has earned himself a name as one of the most lyrical improvisers on any instrument in the world of modern jazz, and his compositional talents only further his reputation as an all-around accomplished musician. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School, Steve has played alongside other notable jazz legends such as Freddie Hubbard, Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Jimmy Cobb, George Coleman, Slide Hampton, Eddie Henderson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Wynton Marsalis. Other collaborators include such well-known contemporaries as Eric Alexander, Roy Hargrove, Joe Farnsworth, and Steve Nelson. Steve has been an integral voice in the accomplished New York-based band One For All, a sextet that continues the tradition of 1960’s hard-bop with continuous invention and brilliance. His recording credits as a leader serve as testaments to Steve’s constant commitment to explore the future of the music while always reminding the listener of the deep roots from which his style is forged. Steve’s new quintet, and its debut recording “Smooth,†presents the same musical vision and fire as its leader, while simultaneously highlighting the unique and talented voices of each of the respective members.
The Steve Davis Quintet formed approximately one year ago, the result of the leader’s vision for a cooperative group that could draw on each musician’s talents to achieve new heights of creativity and expression. Although the band as a whole is relatively new, its members have enjoyed each others musical company for many years, albeit in different incarnations. Four of the five musicians represented here (Davis, DiRubbo, Douglas, and McPherson) share a common musical upbringing in the form of Jackie McLean and the McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford. Pianist David Bryant is by no means a stranger to the others; he became a common fixture on the leader’s bandstands while still a student at New England Conservatory. All five players have a great appreciation and understanding of the bebop and hard-bop traditions that is quite evident in their playing. Equally evident is the shared belief that those traditions call on each player to push the music into new territory while still honoring even the most basic roots of modern jazz. The result is a synthesis of old and new styles, executed with terrific ensemble playing and adventurous, probing improvisations. While Steve Davis is highlighted as the leader, the group is certainly founded on the principles of collaboration. Their songbook features compositions and arrangements from virtually all the members of the band, and every piece becomes a joint venture on the bandstand as the musicians work to push each other into new and exciting musical territory. Visceral energy and spontaneity are the trademarks of the Steve Davis Quintet, both in performance and on record. They are a unified ensemble with a common artistic goal: to push jazz into new places by drawing on the legacy of the music.
The Steve Davis Quintet WNPR Live BroadcastMike Dirubbo - Alto Sax, Eric McPherson - Drums, Dezron Douglas - Bass, David Bryant - Piano
Jackie McLean Sextet Rites of Passage
