Open City
Hip-Bone, 2023
8/10
The trombonist and composer Michael Davis has an impressive resume that includes playing with the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan and Aerosmith, to name a few. Here, along with a very large cast, he pens a listen of fusion big band ideas that make great use out of every meticulous moment.
“Hossland” begins the 10 tracks and makes an immediate impression with the warm piano, bright brass and fluid drumming from Jared Schonig, and “Open City” follows with Andy Ezrin’s intimate key playing amid the soulful sax in the reflective mood.
“State Of The Art” arrives in the middle and is layered precisely with animated horns and lively rhythm, while “Underdog” builds into a dense jazz-rocker that soars high and is full of dynamic, melodic and uplifting song craft with stunning bass playing.
Approaching the end, “Ladybug” recruits more intimate avenues of dreamy jazz, and “Bone Man Walking” exits the listen with the vivid brass front and center and very much memorable.
This is Davis’ 14th album as leader and his 2nd with the Hip-Bone Big Band. Let’s hope it’s nowhere near his last cause the talent, the vision and the execution here is superb.
Travels well with: Nicholas Brust- Daybreak; Tony Kadleck Big Band- Sides