Richard Davis has been a major force on the bass from the 1960’s on. At home with classical, jazz, and pop, he has worked with Ahmed Jamal, Sarah Vaughn, Van Morrison (“the greatest bass ever heard on a rock album” – Rolling Stone), Bruce Springstein, and was on the legendary Eric Dolphy Live at the Five Spot albums. Pianist Roland Hanna’s work as a sideman was prolific; he played with such greats as Charles Mingus and Jim Hall. A supremely original trombonist, Jimmy Knepper was a stalwart in various incarnations of Mingus bands. Knepper’s Milktrain thrills at a medium tempo, with powerful trombone and bass solos. Davis and Hanna team in duo for a hauntingly beautiful version Thad Jones’ ballad A Child Is Born. The trio of Davis, Hanna, and drummer Louis Hayes jump onto a scintillating open-ended version of the jazz standard Softly As A Morning Sunrise. On Adams’ What Is It, Pepper and Knepper team up with the rhythm section for a deep, warm sound and five spectacular solos. Muses for Richard Davis features a duo with jazz giant Freddie Hubbard’s ruminations on trumpet playing muse to Davis’ bowed bass. Toe Tail Moon ends the session with everyone getting a taste. With a group of master musicians for guides, the album is a showcase for one of the great bassists in jazz, and exhilarating music for the listener.
