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StepTempest covers Jon Davis “Moving Right Along”…

C1010

 

 

 

 

steptempest.com

Pianist-composer Jon Davishas been an active participant on the contemporary music scene since the 1980s, first coming to critical attention for his work with bassist Jaco Pastorius.  He’s also worked with Beatle Jazz, with the Bill Mobley Big Band, with saxophonist Ilhan Ershahan and a long list of other great players.

For “Moving Right Along“, his 6th recording as a leader (and second for Posi-Tone Records), he leads a trio that features drummer Shinnosuke Takahashi (who appeared on that first CD) and bassist Yashushi Nakamura through a smart program of originals, standards, and covers.  He pays tribute to Pastorius with a lovely version of “Portrait of Tracy” (one of the late bassist’s must enduring melodies) as well as a blazing take of “Dania” (originally composed for big band).  The quiet yet active percussion of Takahashi stands out on the former track (as does the wonderful “dancing” piano solo) while the latter tools along atop the strong walking bass lines.  The arrangement for John Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” opens on a lovely, lilting, Caribbean rhythm and moves forward with glee.  The interaction of the drums and piano on Davis’s solo is delightful, really the essence of what creative music can be. There’s also a great take on The Beatle’s “She’s Leaving Home“, one that illuminates the bluesier side of the song. Takahashi’s splendid cymbal work on the opening choruses of Frank Loesser’s “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” sets up a tension that is relieved and revived all through the solo section. Nakamura’s bass lines explore counterpoint, weaving through the showers of piano notes and cymbal splashes.

Davis takes 2 pieces for solo piano, Thelonious Monk’s “Reflections” and Harold Arlen’s “I Gotta Right to Sing The Blues.”  The pianist caresses Monk’s handsome melody, not rushing the pace, and keeping the reflective quality of the music. The Arlen composition, from 1932, is also quite reflective, an appropriate song to close the CD.

The album includes 5 Davis originals including the McCoy Tyner-like title track that opens the program and the blues-drenched “Under The Stairway” that follows. It’s really quite a pleasure to hear a rhythm section so tuned in to the movement of the leader; though there are few bass or drums solos (and those are much closer to the end of the recording), one can hear just how involved and important Nakamura and Takahashi are to the success of the trio “sound”.  There’s a touch of Horace Silver’s sound in the medium-tempo of “Pensive Puff” (bass line, at times, echoes “Song For My Father“) and a hint of Abbey Lincoln’s classic “Throw It Away” in the bluesy melody of “Just In Case.” The familiar touches serve to draw the listener closer and truly make the piece more enjoyable.

Moving Right Along” does just that – for 66 minutes, Jon Davis, Yasushi Nakamura, and Shinnosuke Takahashi move the listener through a panoply of musical styles and emotions. You can listen early in the morning as you prepare for the day or late in the evening with a glass of wine.  With the typical clean Posi-Tone sound (Nick O’Toole must love drummers), this album is a welcome addition to lovers of piano trio music…and lovers of good music anywhere.