The History Of Us
Three Pines, 2021
8/10
An outfit spearheaded by the alto saxophonist Tara Davidson and the trombonist William Carn, The HIstory Of Us sees Carn Davidson 9 utilizing their 7 horns and diverse roster to further expand on their JUNO award worthy sounds.
“Finding Home Suite: i. A New Life” opens the listen with much warmth as the soulful brass is textured with both emotion and playfulness that includes a solo from Kevin Turcotte, and “Finding Home Suite: ii A Mother’s Song” continues the setting with precise and sublime interaction between the brass that benefits from a trombone solo thanks to Carn.
“Goodbye Old Friend” lands in the middle and offers a soft and reflective moment that’s full of heartfelt song craft and dreamy flute thanks to Davidson, while “Suite 1985 i. The Epitaph- For Mom” benefits much from Andrew Downing’s well timed bass amid the solo trumpet by way of Turcotte.
“Suite 1985: iii. Wisely If Sincerely” exits the listen and showcases incredible chemistry between the horns and winds, where Davidson’s soprano sax solo complements the Scottish heritage of the album highlight.
An often powerful and stirring affair, this 3rd album from Carn Davidson 9 explores themes of loss, family and migration, and there’s certainly no lack of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic devices to be enjoyed across the atypical chamber jazz listen.
Travels well with: Wild Blue Herons- You & I; Jazzlab Orchestra- LOGUSLABUSMUZIKUS