Search - Steve Davis :: Vibe Up!

Good Old Fashioned Fun

Ronald Lyles | West Hartford, CT | 04/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I usually think it is unfair when the professional critics compare a contemporary musician to one of the giants of the music, or a current cd to a recognized masterpiece or period. After all, the goal of the music is to innovate and build on past developments. At least, that is what I think any jazz musician should be trying to do. Nonetheless, as I listened to this cd for the first time, I could not help but think of those classic Blue Note dates. So does this mean that I am hypocritical? I don't think so. I tried to think of an adjective to describe this cd and all I could think of was enjoyable, fun, cheerful. Not very imaginative, but extremely accurate. This is an extremely up beat cd. Not in the sense of a blowing date; its far from that. Moreso it is a cd that is fun to listen to. The tunes swing like heck. Steve Davis writes some very catchy songs. I think I got a good adjective. DANCEABLE. While listening to this cd, I couldn't help but move about the room involuntarily. I must admit,this is a cd that because of the nature of the arrangements, I did not pay close attention to the actual solos. Even though all of the artists solo competently, the tunes force you to enjoy the songs as a whole, and not break it down to a string of individual solos. Of special note is Blue Domain. An extremely funky tune that will have your head bobbin, your butt shakin, and your mind thinking of a Lee Morgan date. Very enjoyable cd. The other artists include Steve Nelson - vibes, Peter Bernstein - guitar; Mike DiRubbo -alto sax (the similarities to Jackie McLean are obvious); David Hazletine - piano; Peter Washington - bass; and Joe Farnsworth - drums."