I don’t know what some of you favorite things are but, if you just take 5 of your top picks for bass players, I’m sure that the good Dr. Art Davis will be on your list. From the sounds of Brubeck to Trane to Lloyd to Parker and back to Davis, Dr. Art and his quartet produce a sea of people at the Friday night summertime place for jazz music in LA, LACMA!
Cool, poised and laid back with a wealth of confidence, knowledge and artistic talent, Dr. Davis proceeded to play some of the most lyrically beautiful lines and chord progressions on his instrument. In this situation Psychology and Bassology go hand in hand. Both cerebral and technical in nature, the two studies blend together perfectly to produce a sound that is well formulated and you know that each note played is rich with meaning and intent.
Dr. Art Davis Video
Dr. Davis is living, breathing jazz history. When you mention names like Art Blakey, Max Roach, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Quincy Jones and Sonny Stitt not to mention Dizzy Gilespie and John Coltrane, nothing else need be said. Greatness is in our presence and we need to listen to every word as well as every note.
Terence Martin Video
Also being an educator of the music, Dr. Davis shares his stage with students as well as veterans of the music. From the corners of 43rd and Degnan, the musical epicenter in Los Angeles, many talents emerge. Terence Martin, the 24 year old alto player, displays his talents as he cognitively and creatively compliments the jazz masters who have walked the earth before him. Looking at times like a much more handsome Charlie Parker, Terence, momentarily off the road with Snoop Doggy Dizog(slang for dog), has lost his dreads for a cleaner cut while maintaining his maturing sound.
Bobby West Video
Article comments
1 - godoggo
Yup, I was there.
Dr. Davis can always be counted on to put together a great band. If, like this brilliant young alto player, they're near-unknowns (actually I think I saw him with Davis a a few years back), I didn't know about the Dogg connection), you can rest assured that they'll be adventurous, hard-swinging, virtuosos.
It's always such a joy to see Tootie. He reminds me of the late Billy Higgins he can, for all his sophistication, delight in the simplest rhythmic ideas, and the way he uplifts any band he plays with, as well as the audience.
(After the show I noticed they were showing Wizard of Oz in the park next door, so I dug it for the first time in years. Truly, they don't make'em like that anymore. It's really a different experience seeing it with an audience that actually cheers for Dorothy and Toto. Very nice evening).
2 - LeRoy
Nothing wrong with a great night of jazz music and fun movies!