Mary Pearson - You and I (January 2022 Arkadia Records)

“…fresh interpretations and insights… zesty… entertaining as well as romantic, as much fun as it was creative.”

– George Kanzler, Newark Star Ledger

“Long overdue – stunning and original.”

– Aaron Fensterheim- WXEL- FM 90.7

On this Arkadia Jazz recording of intimate duets, entitled “Mary Pearson: You and I”, Jazz singer Mary Pearson’s voice weaves a seamless tapestry of romance. Mary and her all-star partners Fred Hersch, Lynne Arriale, Harvie Swartz, David Lahm, Steve Davis and guitarist John Hart create a virtual suite of love songs, guaranteed to keep you under her passionate spell.

“Ms. Pearson gets to me not only with her humorous energy and stunningly musical vocal talent, but also with her “on the edge” eccentricity”. – Mark Murphy, legendary Jazz vocalist

The musical concept of the album – pairing Pearson’s indelible voice with a single instrument per song to create a collection of intimate duets – seems so clever that it’s hard to believe it is not employed more widely in the Jazz world. The simplicity of this format helps breathe new life into some of the often performed Jazz Standards, and three originals, and creates an impressive pulpit to introduce her original compositions to the world.

“These austere settings showcase the warmth and richness of Pearson’s instrument, a lush, supple voice… “You and I” is an impressive, musically exacting first effort..” – Joel E. Siegel, JazzTimes Magazine

Mary Pearson knows that it takes more than a beautiful voice to once again bring alive some of the most cherished and recorded timepieces of our American Songbook. According to the accomplished veteran, “If you can’t add something new, you may as well just put on the original and sing along”. With creative ingenuity and a vision to fashion her songs in a style never before tailored, on this Arkadia Records album, “Mary Pearson: You and I”, Pearson has been able to reclaim a glory that once existed in the classic realm of romantic Jazz, performing in the tradition of Shirley Horn, Morgana King, and Chris Conner. 

1. Lazy Afternoon 04:11

2. The More I See You 05:18

3. Take Five 02:59

4. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? 03:58

5. * I Am Yours / You Are Mine 05:15

6. Thou Swell 04:03

7. You and I 05:24

8. * In Your Arms 04:11

9. How Long Has This Been Going On? 05:54

10. My Funny Valentine 03:57

11. * I Can’t Believe 03:26

12. Over the Rainbow 05:10

* Composed by Mary Pearson

All vocals and arrangements by Mary Pearson

Mary Pearson: Vocals

Fred Hersch: Piano

Lynne Arriale: Piano

John Hart: Guitar

Harvie Swartz (Harvie S): Bass

Steve Davis Drums

David Lahm: Piano

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Harold Mabern - Mabern Plays Coltrane (December 2021 Smoke Sessions Records)

MABERN PLAYS COLTRANE, a vibrant live recording of Harold Mabern performing the music of John Coltrane with an all-star sextet including Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, Steve Davis, John Webber, and Joe Farnsworth.

Mabern held a special reverence for John Coltrane. “He was very influential in my life and my playing, too,” Mabern once said. “After being around him and seeing what a great human being he was – man, I wish the whole world could have known John Coltrane.”

MABERN PLAYS COLTRANE is culled from the final three-nights of a three-week residency at Smoke’s annual year ending John Coltrane Festival that started in 2017 ended with these performances that Mabern and the band played in January 2018. The resulting recordings also produced two earlier albums: THE IRON MAN, which shined a spotlight on Mabern the performer and interpreter and offered a glimpse into a typical evening’s performance and MABERN PLAYS MABERN, which commemorated Mabern’s gifts as a composer and followed his untimely death at age 83 on September 17, 2019. Mabern Plays Coltrane is the album that was originally planned for those live recording sessions. Mabern had always played a key role in the festival since its inaugural edition in 2011. From the initial weeklong fest through its later three- and four-week incarnations, Mabern was the headliner for much of the annual run, an indication of both his appreciation for Coltrane as a forbear and mentor as well as his own vital role at Smoke.

“Playing John Coltrane's music with Harold was like tapping into the source,” says Farnsworth. “He was like the vortex, and it all flowed through him. It was intense. Having Harold on the stage, given how much he loved John Coltrane, it elevated the spirit of the music tenfold.” 

1. Dahomey Dance 07:13

2. Blue Train 10:42

3. Impressions 09:41

4. Dear Lord 05:36

5. My Favorite Things 11:47

6. Naima 09:09

7. Straight Street 10:51

Harold Mabern - piano

Vincent Herring - alto saxophone

Eric Alexander - tenor saxophone

Steve Davis - trombone

John Webber - bass

Joe Farnsworth - drums

Recorded Live January 5, 6 & 7, 2018 at SMOKE, NYC

Produced by Paul Stache & Damon Smith

Recorded by Paul Stache with Owen Mulholland & Jeff Citron

Mixed & Mastered by Chris Allen

Photography by Jimmy & Dena Katz

Design by Damon Smith & Paul Stache

All compositions by John Coltrane

except “My Favorite Things” by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II

“Dear Lord” was previously included on The Iron Man: Live at Smoke

Eric Alexander appears courtesy of HighNote Records

Executive Producers: Paul Stache & Molly Johnson

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Steve Davis - Bolivia (August 19, 2021)

Drummer Steve Davis has performed with David Liebman, Bill Evans, Richie Beirach, John Pattitucci, Walt Weiskopf, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan and Lynne Arriale. He has over 170 recordings to his credit, including 8 of his own. Other recording credits include work with Walt Weiskopf, Conrad Herwig, Richie Beirach, Bill Evans, Kenny Werner, John Pattitucci, Manfredo Fest, and Andy LaVerne. 

1. Bolivia 05:13

2. Blue Daniel 04:22

3. Black Nile 06:11

4. Naima 05:27

5. All Things 04:46

6. Andes 05:11

7. Caravan 04:33

8. A Blue Bossa 04:03

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Mike LeDonne's The Groover Quartet + Big Band - It's All Your Fault (2021 HighNote Records)

Mike LeDonne belongs to an elite group of musicians — those who have mastered the piano AND the organ while creating original voices for each. However, here on It's All Your Fault, LeDonne sits down at the organ, puts his foot on the pedals and lays down some of the hippest organ licks you're likely to hear. Two groups are featured on this recording. Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet has had the rare opportunity to play and record together for twenty years and counting. They had no difficulty integrating their sound into this all-star big band put together by Mike and his preferred arranger and conductor, Dennis Mackrel. Recorded in the famed Van Gelder Studio and actually using the original Hammond C-3 organ that Jimmy Smith et al. used for their recordings, the music within this recording is adventurous. It's a continuation of the groove that was established years ago by organists interacting with big bands and it reveals to us the Blues, the Rhythm & Blues and the Jazz that Mike heard coming up through the jazz ranks.

1. It's All Your Fault (M. LeDonne) 6:35

2. Matador (G. Green) 6:46

3. Rock With You (R. Temperton / D. Myers) 6:11

4. Still (L. Richie) 6:55

5. Party Time (L. Morgan) 5:34

6. Bags and Brown (M. LeDonne) 5:17

7. Biggest Part of Me (D. Pack) 6:20

8. Blues for Jed (M. LeDonne) 7:53

Mike LeDonne’s Big Band (Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6):

Organ: Mike LeDonne (org)

Steve Wilson, Jim Snidero (as)

Eric Alexander, Scott Robinson (ts)

Jason Marshall (bs)

Jon Faddis, Frank Greene, Joe Magnarelli, Joshua Bruneau (tp)

Mark Patterson, Steve Davis, Dion Tucker, Doug Purviance (tb)

John Webber (b)

Peter Bernstein (g)

Joe Farnsworth (ds)

Mike LeDonne’s Groover Quartet (Tracks: 4, 7 & 8):

Mike LeDonne (org)

Eric Alexander (ts)

Peter Bernstein (g)

Joe Farnsworth (ds)

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Willie Jones III - Fallen Heroes (2021 WJ3 Records)

Through Fallen Heroes, Jones celebrates his personal history with his musical heroes and the impact of each. “This new album is inspired by and dedicated to these soldiers of the music,” said Jones. “My father played with Ndugu, who became one of my earliest influences as a drummer, and I had the great fortune to work with Jimmy, Larry, and Roy, right up to the end of their lives.”

To document this celebration of music and spirit, Jones convened long-time colleagues who shared the stage with many of these masters alongside Jones throughout the years: trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, saxophonists Justin Robinson and Sherman Irby, trombonist Steve Davis, pianist George Cables, bassist Gerald Cannon, vocalist Renee Neufville; as well as emerging pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.

Collectively, the personnel on Fallen Heroes represents the continuum of jazz, and dedication to uphold the legacies of several acclaimed icons .

1. Something For Ndugu 03:58

2. Fallen Hero 03:39

3. C.T.A 04:42

4. Trust 03:56

5. Truthful Blues 06:19

6. Annika's Lullaby 08:36

7. To Wisdom The Prize 06:06

8. I've Just Seen Her 07:01

9. Jackin' For Change 05:20

Willie Jones III - Drums

Gerald Cannon - Bass

George Cables - Piano

Renee Neufville - Vocals

Steve Davis - Trombone

Isaiah J. Thompson - Piano

Justin Robinson - Saxophone

Sherman Irby - Saxophone

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John Hasselback III - Entrance (April 2021)

Buffalo New York native John Hasselback III is quickly establishing himself as a lyrical trumpet soloist and composer in New York City’s vibrant jazz scene. Hasselback’s colorful sound is thoroughly informed by the lineage of jazz trumpet tradition, combining the sounds of yesterday with the sounds of tomorrow.

This music was written while living in Hartford, Connecticut and New York City. It reflects my experiences, surroundings and inspirations. I hope the listener finds their own sense of meaning and joy from the music.

1. B.F.G. 03:42

2. Blood Orange 05:21

3. Robert's Run 06:59

4. Scarborough Street 05:26

5. Rene's Way 06:36 6. Third Time's the Charm 03:43

7. Body and Soul 05:41

8. Eclipse 04:42

9. Kingsbridge 05:11

All compositions by John Hasselback III | John Hasselback III Music (ASCAP) except Body and Soul by Johnny Green | Warner Bros. (renewed)

John Hasselback III - Trumpet

Wayne Escoffery - Saxophone

Steve Davis - Trombone

Jonathan Barber - Drums

Luques Curtis - Bass

Taber Gable - Piano

Recorded at GHR October 10th & 11th, 2020

Andrew Oedel - Recording Engineer

Ethan Weissman - Mixing Engineer

Carl Bespolka - Additional Mixing and Mastering Engineer

John Hasselback III - Producer

Jack Nosavage - Production Assistant

Zack Rubin - Cover Photo

This project is funded in part by the Pathways To Jazz grant, a donor advised fund of the Boulder County Arts Alliance.

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Steve Davis - Tribute to Horace Silver, Volume 18 (February 2021)

Drummer Steve Davis has performed with David Liebman, Bill Evans, Richie Beirach, John Pattitucci, Walt Weiskopf, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan and Lynne Arriale. He has over 170 recordings to his credit, including 8 of his own. Other recording credits include work with Walt Weiskopf, Conrad Herwig, Richie Beirach, Bill Evans, Kenny Werner, John Pattitucci, Manfredo Fest, and Andy LaVerne.

1. Strollin 05:23

2. Song for my Father 04:41

3. Nica's Dream 05:24

4. Summer in Central Park 05:33

5. Nutville 04:12

6. Gregory is Here 04:53

7. Room 608 04:48

8. Jody Grind 04:35

9. Quicksilver 04:51

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Steve Davis / Jeanfrançois Prins - Light (GAM MUSIC 2018)

This pure jazz guitar trio album was recorded just a few days after the September 11, 2001 attack on NYC. The trio felt that even though it was hard to think about anything else, it was therefore even more important than usual to focus on sharing music without concessions, artifices and judgements with each other, and ultimately to send all that positive energy out in the world.

"This CD is very much like a set we would play live, as we recorded most of the tunes in one take, and the sequence of the tunes is in the order in which we recorded them. I guess one could say "recorded live in the studio"".

- Jeanfrançois Prins

"After each tune, we would find ourselves talking about the events of September 11th. It seemed to me that because of our raised consciousness, there was a real sense of abandonment to our playing that resulted in a real looseness in the music. We play because we have a burning and passionate love for music".

- Steve Davis

Jeanfrançois Prins guitar

Steve Davis drums

Larry Kohut bass

1. Someday My Prince Will Come 06:28

2. I Hear A Rhapsody 05:17

3. Leaving 05:44

4. It Ain't Necessarily So 07:02

5. Iris 03:16

6. How Deep Is The Ocean 05:03

7. My Main Man 05:34

8. The Peacocks 09:43

9. Footprints 08:36

GAM MUSIC

Cory Weeds Little Big Band - Explosion (CELLAR LIVE July 6, 2018)

Vancouver jazz impresario Cory Weeds fronts a world class 11 piece "Little Big Band", in an ambitious recording at Bryan Adams' "Warehouse" studio in Vancouver's Gas Town neighbourhood.  

Weeds and his guests speak to the important collaboration between the visiting artists - Gary Smulyan, Joe Magnarelli, Steve Davis and PJ Perry - and the Vancouver players who host them.  

Weeds' prolific activity, in particular pairing top tier New York musicians with local Vancouver players, has helped build Vancouver into a vibrant jazz city, with a deep well of skill.  Although Weeds' live club The Jazz Cellar shuttered years ago, the associated label Cellar Live continues on with a vibrant and regular slate of recordings, and Weeds' work with the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society (managing Frankie's Jazz Club) keeps him at the nexus of all action.  

In this film, we hear some sincere testimony on what Weeds does best - producing a swinging, exciting project that enriches the scene around him.  The symbiosis between artist and producer survives in Weeds' world, with an appreciative nod in both directions.

01 Minor Mishap

02 Soon

03 East Of The Village

04 Park Avenue Petite

05 My Girl Is Just Enough Woman For Me

06 Canadian Sunset

07 KD's Motion

08 Please Send Me Someone To Love

09 Ready And Able

Cory Weeds tenor saxophone

GARY SMULYAN baritone saxophone

STEVE KALDESTAD tenor saxophone

PJ PERRY alto saxophone

JOE MAGNARELLI trumpet

CHRIS DAVIS trumpet

STEVE DAVIS trombon

ROD MURRAY trombone

CHRIS GESTRIN piano

PAUL RUSHKA bass

JESSE CAHLL drums

Steve Davis with Ben Wheeler and Nathan Jatcko - The New Trio (2018)

This was a really fun CD to do with Ben and Nathan. We chose these tunes to explore and I am very pleased with the end product. It is my hope that you enjoy this music as much as we enjoyed getting it to you!

1. Green Dolphin 05:38

2. Steepian Faith 06:07

3. But Not For Me 06:10

4. Maiden Voyage 07:08

5. Peacocks 05:48

6. Write A Book 05:32

7. Elm 06:50

8. I Mean You 05:24

9. Nefertiti 05:20

Steve Davis, drums

Ben Wheeler, bass

Nathan Jatcko, piano

Steve Davis - Think Ahead (SMOKE SESSIONS 2017)

IN LIFE AS IN JAZZ, you never know what’s coming around the next corner – so it’s always best to think ahead. Trombonist/composer Steve Davis not only offers those two words as a sound piece of advice on his new album, Think Ahead, but exemplifies the art of putting it into action. Think Ahead offers a master class in reacting to the unpredictable from an elite group of jazz all-stars whose ability to create spontaneously borders on the clairvoyant.

In part, that’s simply due to the fact that Davis has assembled a stellar group of masters: the trombonist is joined by saxophonists Steve Wilson and Jimmy Greene, pianist Larry Willis, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, each deserving the title of “jazz giant” in their own right. But add the fact that the bandleader shares with every member of the ensemble a long and deep history, and you have the makings of a truly profound, flawlessly swinging, flat-out burning set of music.

“I’ve been deeply involved with everyone in this band on not only a professional level but as friends for decades,” Davis says. “So it was more than an honor to have this group together.”

Davis is also well known as an important composer and the program on Think Ahead features seven of his originals including six striking debuts. The balance includes two beloved standards, Polka Dots and Moonbeams and Love Walked In, as well as two jazz classics by departed giants Tony Williams and Bobby Hutcherson. Williams’ “Warrior” and Hutcherson’s “Little B’s Poem”

Steve Davis - Another Trio (2016)

Drummer Steve Davis has performed with David Liebman, Bill Evans, Richie Beirach, John Pattitucci, Walt Weiskopf, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan and Lynne Arriale. He has over 165 recordings to his credit, including 8 of his own. Other recording credits include work with Walt Weiskopf, Conrad Herwig, Richie Beirach, Bill Evans, Kenny Werner, Tim Hagans, John Pattitucci, Manfredo Fest, and Andy LaVerne.

In addition to his extensive touring throughout Europe and North America, Steve served on the faculty of Jamey Aebersold Jazz Clinics from 1982-2008 and served on the faculty of the Berlin Conservatory of Music as professor of jazz studies in 2000 and 2001, as well as Port Townsend in 2007. He has written six drum books,including a newly released book(2008) from Schott-Music Publishing and has conducted educational clinics throughout the world.

Steve is also a respected recording engineer in the jazz community having engineered over 300 recordings.

Steve was a Visiting Artist in Residence at Indiana University in 2000-2001 and served on the faculty of the University of Southern Florida Tampa from 2004-2008. Steve is currently on the faculty at Washington University and divides his time between freelancing and playing with his own group.

I have recently finished 8 new playalong for jazz drummers. These are a great to practice soloing, comping, and general tune learning. They are beautifully recorded and feel as close to the real thing as it gets.

1. Someday 06:28

2. Rap-So-Dee 05:17

3. Leaving 05:44

4. Ain't So 07:02

5. Iris 03:16

6. Ocean 05:03

7. Main Man 05:34

8. Peacocks 09:43

9. Foot Prince 08:36

Steve Davis Website

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Joe Magnarelli - Three On Two (2015)

BY S. VICTOR AARON / somethingelsereviews

Last year trumpet ace Joe Magnarelli put forth his first album under the Posi-Tone flag, but this was hardly the first time around the block for this respected veteran sideman and bandleader. Three On Two, out earlier this month, is his second for the label and also marks twenty years of leading his own dates.

As the title suggests, it’s a three horn/two-part rhythm section setup, but a little bit different than what you might think it’d be. Once again, the eminent Steve Davis is by Magnarelli’s side on trombone and Mike DiRubbo joins the two on alto sax. Rudy Royston is on drums and instead of bass, Brian Charette completes the quintet on organ. His handling of both the keyboard and the bottom (via bass pedals) chores effectively expands the ensemble to a sextet and few are better qualified to simultaneously lock down the low end and mix it up with a large front line of crackerjack horn players than Charette.

And in spite of this being a straight-ahead blowing affair in the finest Posi-Tone tradition, there’s quite of bit of mixing it up, starting with the title tune, with shifty rhythms and maximal, articulate trumpet playing by the leader. DiRubbo keeps the good vibe going and Charette put a soul-leaden cap on the solos run. Straightforward swingers abound on this collection, too, like the crisp, uptempo Coltrane number “26-2,” which features DiRubbo’s lively sax and some seriously sizzling outpouring of notes from Magnarelli. The guys show they can play it cool, too, on another Trane tune, “Central Park West,” where Magnarelli lays his soul bare and delivers a pretty solo on flugelhorn.

There’s even some fresh funk on this record: Magnarelli’s “NYC-J-Funk” gets down with a sly mixture of contemporary, almost hip-hop beats (led by Royston) and the soulful genius of Art Blakey’s Messengers; here, Charette syncopates his organ and bass pedal lines with easy equanimity.

The way Joe Magnarelli’s band members are pitted against — and with — each other through a solid blend of originals and covers makes Three On Two a gratifying way to experience mainstream jazz. Just like Magnarelli’s last release.

01. Three On Two

02. Easy

03. The Step Up

04. NYC-J-Funk

05. 26-2

06. Clockwise

07. Paris

08. Central Park West

09. Outlet Pass

10. My Reverie

Joe Magnarelli: trumpet

Steve Davis: trombone

Mike DiRubbo: alto saxophone

Brian Charette: organ

Rudy Royston: drums

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VÍCTOR