Steve Davis - Vibe Up! - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Wycliffe Gordon's sixth effort for Criss Cross features the trombonist with the biggest sound around in a program comprised predominantly of original blues. Gordon demonstrates his mastery of that most versatile African American art form, playing slow, fast, sad, reverent and raucous variations, accompanied by his regular working trio of Jazz Messengers alumnus Johnny O'Neal at the piano and the New Orleans rhythm team of bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley. Joining the quartet, making his Criss Cross debut, is Muskegon Heights and Michigan tenor saxophonist Stacy Dillard, whose deep dark soulful tone perfectly complements the similarly endowed leader.

The latest from Steve Davis follows up his previous of all original material with a rewarding program comprised of some seldom heard gems from the modern jazz canon. The last of the Jazz Messenger trombonists shows off his pristine tone and flawless articulation on melodic masterworks from the pens of Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon, Jackie McLean, Herbie Hancock, Ellington/Strayhorn, Henri Mancini, and Ray Drummond, along with a new original dedicated to special guest Roy Hargrove. Criss Cross regular, guitarist Peter Bernstein shares front line duties, while the rhythm section with Anthony Wonsey (piano), Nat Reeves (bass) and drummer Joe Farnsworth keeps things swinging.

Within the small circle of modern jazz trombonists, few would argue that Steve Davis stands apart from the crowd, not only as a singular instumental voice but also as a gifted composer. With Systems Blue, his fifth Criss Cross album to date, Davis explores a distinguished set of jazz standards while being accompanied by his rhythm section partners from One for All - pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo joins the group on two titles.