Always reliable and always under the radar, trombonist Steve Davis , an alumnus of the schools of Art Blakey and Jackie McLean, has made some impressive sliding better than Rickey Henderson with his trombone. His latest album is a mainstream gem teamed with Peter Bernstein/g, Steve Nelson/vib, Geoffrey Keezer/p, Christian McBride/b and Willie Jones III/dr, all all-star artists at the top of their games.
Davis, like all great leaders, wisely gives ample space and spotlights to each of these giants. Bernstein and McBride shine on the stately “Bedford Strolle” with the bassist snapping crisply around Nelson’s vibes and Jones’ crisp sticks on “Maybe So. McBride is a MONSTER!
Keezer gives a sleek intro to the blues shuffle “ Off The Cuff” while his chords boogaloo with the leader on “Encouragement”. Jones III is peppy on his lead in to “A Star For Chick” and digs deep with McBride on “They Wore 44”. As for the Davis himself, he’s as rich as Crisco on the muted horn with Jones’ brushes and Nelson’s glistening during “Faraway Dream” and is filled with soul as he turns up the Butanes on “Bluesthetic”. I’ve only seen this guy with McBride’s big band, but if he ever brings a small group, it’s going to be a cooking night as well.