Richard Davies: The Unfortunate Collision Of Everything At Once
This is a self-produced album from multi-instrumentalist Richard Davies, produced in his own home studio featuring his big-toned tenor, a smattering of soprano and a big nod to technology. His tenor playing stands out, almost having a singing quality at times but it is the instrument’s use in conjunction with a backwash of percussion effects that really grabs the ear.
There is no pretence of swing in presentation, the saxophone riding over a mixture of tabla effects, sombre sound layers or as on Anxiety Hides My Dreams piano, bass and drums. At times it is a challenge to decide whether the listener is confronted by a genuine instrument or an ersatz version, but therein lies the fascination. There are strong melodic lines to enjoy, even some Milesian trumpet to take in on The World Is Inside Nothing.
Davies’ tenor is a self-contained entity on these slow to medium compositions, only really taking off via Nice Quad Revertar, its opening repetitive figure giving way to some controlled high-register work. The one downside of the project is that some of the pieces sound like starting points for maybe something on a grander scale.
In summing up, taken as a whole this can be applauded as an example of a musician believing in his ability to produce something original and worthwhile. Hopefully, we will hear more from Mr. Richards before long.
Discography
Anxiety Hides In My Dreams; Ashamed; Cat On A Window Sill; Dining Out; Nice Quad Revertar; Ode To Tiptoeing Through Life; Sea Creatures; The Unfortunate Collision Of Everything At Once; The World is Inside Nothing; Where’s Ronnie (46.48)
Davies (ts and other instruments). UK, 2023.
Independent
Keith Oxman: Home
Denver resident Keith Oxman is as well known in that area for his teaching as much as his ability on the tenor saxophone. He’s now well into his 60s, and Home is just the latest in a number of albums under his own name. It features several originals dedicated to friends or family. The end result is an undemanding but beautifully delivered programme, courtesy of a tight-knit group primed to do justice to this very personnel music.
There is a nice balance on offer, covering changes in tempo and moods, the solos being very self-contained in deference to the construction of each piece. The leader has a pleasing sound, matched by trumpeter Derek Banach, who displays a clarity of tone and guitarist Clint Dadian who makes many a backwards nod to masters of the past. This is straightahead modern jazz not intending to break ground, simply to present a listening experience both musicians and listeners will find satisfying. The quintet achieve this aim admirably.
Discography
True Lou; Hardenesque; Serenata; Don’t Throw In The Powell; Home (When Shadows Fall); Pam; Cousin Steve; Stray Killer; The Jazz Brothers Visit Curtis Street; Detective Acosta And The Case of The Misplaced Square; Owen’s Defense; Opus For Wherda; An Extraordinary Rose (72.20)
Oxman (ts); Derek Banach (t); Clint Dadian (g); Bill McCrossen (b); Todd Reid (d). Denver, 10 October 2024.
Capri Records 74177-2
Aaron Parks: By All Means
Pianist Aaron Parks is no stranger to the Blue Note label, for this is his third recording as a leader for that imprint. He was previously also captured on three BN albums as part of Terence Blanchard’s group. For this album he called on long-time associates Ben Street and the truly veteran Billy Hart as well as tenor saxophonist Ben Solomon, the latter a callow youth by comparison.
Albums often start with a bang but A Way is a relatively subdued opener while Parks Lope takes us into medium-tempo territory adorned with bluesy inflections, Solomon revealing an indebtedness to Coltrane along the way. It’s an unashamedly catchy piece.
The dancing theme of For María José, dedicated to the pianist’s wife, contrasts beautifully with the ethereal ballad that is Dense Phantasy, its effect owing much to Parks’ careful note-placement. There is a temperature rise for Anywhere Together, notable for an effervescent solo from the tenor player.
A strong melody line carries us through the waltz time of Little River, Solomon again going a partial Coltrane route. Raincoat, carrying a nicely accented contribution from Hart, is a final track exhibiting the same values as the opener – the leader in the considered and thoughtful mood which he maintains over the majority of tracks. This is an excellent addition to the Blue Note catalogue which your reviewer will often return to.
Discography
A Way; Parks Lope; For María José; Dense Phantasy; Anywhere Together; Little River; Raincoat (41.24)
Parks (p); Ben Solomon (ts); Ben Street (b); Billy Hart (d). NYC, 2025.
Blue Note 00602478372025
Sondre Moshagen Lightning Trio: Lightning
The Lightning Trio is made up of two Norwegians, pianist Sondre Moshagen, who supplies the majority of the compositions, drummer Steinar Heide Bø and Estonia-born bass player Kertu Aer. In 2024 they were named Young Jazz Musicians Of the Year at the Molde Jazz Festival. For this, their debut album, Kit Downes was seconded as producer, in addition to adding two of his own tunes to the mix.
At the Molde festival, the jury praised the trio for “clear and compelling group chemistry” throwing in a comment on their compositions as being “top-tier with rhythmic authority that opens up vast musical spaces”. Apposite observations when confronted by the music here.
This is very much collaborative trio music – allowing that Downes contributes to Astraphobia and the flute of Ketija Ringa Karahona is heard on three tracks. The moods are varied, containing little of the brooding or folksy atmosphere we associate with many Scandinavian piano threesomes. The soundscapes are likely to appeal to those outside the jazz milieu, three tracks having been released as singles.
Moshagen’s piano is a constantly bold option throughout, offering little in the way of ineffective tinkling. He wishes to make a statement and demands attention. The listener is rewarded with nuances allied to elusive melodic paths that become more evident with subsequent exposure. The overall picture is completed by masterstrokes from his fellow musicians. At a guess, this is a group we shall hear much more from in the future.
Discography
Flotsam; McQueen’s Disco; Past; Wandering Towards The Light; Jetsam; Pärnu; Guidings; Astraphobia; Lagan (39.49)
Sondre Moshagen (p, syn); Kertu Aer (b); Steinar Heide Bø (d). 2025.
Jazzland Recordings 3779753
