Live At Smalls Jazz Club
Cellar, 2023
8/10
Listen to Live At Smalls Jazz Club
A long running alto-saxophonist who has been prominent in the jazz scene for nearly 4 decades now, Jesse Davis is joined by Spike Wilner, Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth for this set of ‘neo-bop’ tunes.
“Gingerbread Boy” opens the listen with Davis’ animated sax amid Farnsworth’s frisky drums in the energetic climate, and “Ceora” follows with Washington’s proficient bass work complementing the soulful brass and well timed drums.
At the midpoint, Wilner’s warm piano is met with intimate sax that’s quite stirring, while “Juicy Lucy” flows with an upbeat and rhythmic demeanor that has Davis showcasing his acrobatic brass skills.
“Street Of Dreams” and “Love For Sale” exit the listen, where the former unfolds with much attention to mood in the dreamy delivery, and the latter finishes with all 4 players contributing their talents in dynamic, lively and memorable ways.
A very lively interpretation of 8 jazz standards, Davis and company put much heart and soul in Davis’ return to New York City, and the all star rhythm section backing him illuminates his instrument superbly.
Travels well with: Aaron Seeber- First Move; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club