Update

by Steve Davis

Overview

By necessity, jazz trombonists tend to be inspired by music of the early jazz and swing eras, because the instrument lost favor around the time bop became ascendant and all young jazz fans wanted to become either Charlie Parker or Miles Davis. Massachusetts-born, New York-based trombonist Steve Davis bucks that trend, however: he's a post-bop player all the way, down to covering Jackie McLean's Parker tribute, "Bird Lives." (Guest trumpeter Roy Hargrove contributes an outstanding, fluid solo on this track as well.) Update is a small-combo date featuring Davis and Hargrove in front of a four-piece rhythm section, with a song selection featuring two by Wayne Shorter, a lovely rendition of Billy Strayhorn's underappreciated gem "Daydream," and a cool, Miles-like take on Ray Drummond's little-known composition "Leanin' and Preenin'" that shows off a killer walking bassline by Nat Reeves. Unexpected song choices, smart arrangements, and Davis' excellent, understated playing make Update one of Davis' strongest albums as a leader. ~ Stewart Mason

Product Details

Release Date:	05/23/2006
Label:	Criss Cross
UPC:	8712474128228
Rank:	122595

Tracks

1. Marie Antoinette
2. Fenja
3. Bird Lives
4. Grove's Groove
5. The Maze
6. Daydream
7. Wildflower
8. Moment to Moment
9. Leanin' & Preenin'

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Steve Davis   Primary Artist,Trombone
Anthony Wonsey   Guest Artist,Piano
Roy Hargrove   Guest Artist,Flugelhorn,Trumpet
Peter Bernstein   Guitar
Joe Farnsworth   Drums
Nat Reeves   Bass

Technical Credits

Gerry Teekens   Audio Production,Cover Design,Producer
Max Bolleman   Engineer
Russ Musto   Liner Notes
J. McLean   Composer
K. Hasselpflug   Executive Producer
Gildas Bocle   Photography