Ron Davis - Solo Duo Trio

Solo Duo Trio
Ron Davis
(Cullinor - 2002)

by Shaun Dale

Toronto-based pianist Ron Davis demonstrates his mastery of a variety of settings and styles on soloduotrio. His solo work reveals an affection for stride and swing. There are three duets featuring bassist Drew Birston, another Toronto player worth watching for. Birston holding the bottom enhances Davis' sense of swing, amply demonstrated on their interpretations of Duke Ellington's "Caravan," with Birston accenting Davis' piano with both arco and plucked accompaniment.

Two more duos find Davis accompanying the vocals of Lori Cullen, an appealing vocalist with terrific phrasing. Davis possesses a special feel for vocal accompaniment, a special skill in its own right. I'd welcome a full album by Davis and Cullen, and happily, just such a project is underway.

There are two trio cuts, one offering Davis, Birston and violinist San Murata evoking memories of Stephane Grappelli on "Moonlight In Vermont," and one with the pianist and bassist joined by Pat Wheeler's soprano saxophone on "Moon River," a reminder of how great Mr. Mancini's melody was. It's a truly creative rendition of a song too often merely tossed off by artists of lesser talent.

This is a solid and accessible album of straight ahead jazz.