Reviews that mention Jose Davila
December 13, 2021
Poof
Pi Recordings PI 92
Another glimpse unto the distinctive world of Henry Threadgill has produced another authoritative set of sound vignettes that simultaneously reflect the affiliated musicians and the composition/arrangements. Defined as sonatas or concerti by Threadgill, the five tracks depend on the proven qualities of the established Zooid chamber group: guitarist Liberty Ellman, cellist Christopher Hoffman, drummer Elliot Humberto Kavee, Jose Davila’s tuba and trombone and the composer playing alto saxophone, flute and bass flute. MORE
April 28, 2021
The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Expanded Ensemble
Soundpath
Clean Feed CF 556 CD
Chris Pattishall
Zodiac Suite
No label No #
Extending the breadth of Jazz history these ensembles move past salutes to expected improvised music figures to present programs honoring two deceased composer/arranger/pianists involved in musical transition during distinct eras. Led by New York-based pianist Chris Pattishall, Zodiac Suite is a reconfiguration and amplification to sextet, of Mary Lou Williams’ (1910-1981) 12-part program originally recorded solo and by her trio. Antithetical, and not just because The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound is a 17-piece Philadelphia-based big band directed by alto saxophonist Bobby Zankel. Soundpath is the premier recording of a suite it commissioned from AACM founder Muhal Richard Abrams (1930-2017), first performed in 2012 with the composer at rehearsals. MORE
November 11, 2020
Last Desert
Pi Recordings P185
Taking time to head up a rare leadership session, Brooklyn-based guitarist Liberty Ellman appears to have internalized in his compositions and arrangements lessons picked up during his tenure in Henry Threadgill’s Zooid. Ellman, who also produced and mixed some of that AACM saxophonist’s disks, has obviously been inspired by sounds he helped create. Still as someone who also has been part of ensembles headed by other archetypes such as Myra Melford and Adam Rudolph, this CD’s seven tracks are reminiscent not imitative MORE
July 6, 2015
In for a Penny, in for a Pound
Pi Recording
By Ken Waxman
With battering-ram-like force, some composers thrust mammoth themes at the listener, creating an impression through the weight of their ideas. Henry Threadgill follows an antithetical path. His compositions are organized with pointillist insinuation; the true shape of the exposition is only obvious after every motif has locked into place. He has been experimenting with application of this formula since the late ‘70s, and after a 14-year history together has found his ideal vehicle with the members of Zooid. MORE
September 5, 2011
This Brings Us To Volume II
Pi Recording PI 36
Nicolas Caloia Quartet
Tilting
No # No label
Lotte Anker/Craig Taborn/Gerald Cleaver
Floating Islands
ILK 162 CD
William Parker & ICI Ensemble
Winter Sun Crying
Neos Jazz 41008
Something In The Air: Guelph Jazz Festival 2011
By Ken Waxman
--For Whole Note Vol. 17 #1
A highlight of the international calendar, the Guelph Jazz Festival (GJF), September 7 to 11, has maintained its appeal to both the adventurous and the curious over 18 years. It has done so mixing educational symposia with populist outdoor concerts, featuring performers ranging from established masters to experimenters from all over the world. MORE
September 13, 2010
This Brings Us To Volume I
Pi Recordings 31
Another glimpse into the Henry Threadgill world, this singular CD extends the composer/flutist/saxophonist’s sounds rather than alluding to any other current improvised music conceptions. In essence, the tunes on This Brings Us To are part of a unique Klangfarbenmelodie, where every thematic and pitch division advanced by the five musicians are essential to attain the composer’s sonic vision.
Taken mostly legato and moderato, the six compositions are of another extension of what Threadgill has been creating since this century began. Even so, such expected tropes as the preponderance of deep brass tones – supplied by tubaist/trombonist Jose Davila, who also plays in the Spanish Harlem Orchestra – and subtle finger-style guitar licks, courtesy of Liberty Ellman – whose employers have ranged from the San Francisco Mime Troupe (SFMT) to M-Base – remain constant with the reedist’s long-time conception. MORE