Pianist Anthony Davis and vibraphonist Jay Hoggard were among a group of celebrated young lions in the American East Coast new jazz scene of the mid-1970’s and early 80’s. By their early 20’s they were deeply involved in New England’s creative music scene, playing and jamming with the likes of Leo Smith, Anthony Braxton, and Ed Blackwell. It was during this period that the two began their work together. By the late 70’s they were busy with their own working groups. Davis was also recording and touring with Smith, David Murray, and George Lewis; Hoggard was on the road with Chico Freeman. Here you have the duo album they always wanted to record. Based on the closing lines of the 23rd Psalm, Davis’ A Walk Through the Shadow balances between “darkness and uncertainty” and the “hope that lies in faith”. Rhythmic African roots, blues and free play reverberate through Ujamaa, Hoggard’s musical homage to Third World self-determination. Written for Davis’ Wife, FMW waltzes romantically over a harmonically adventurous 23 bar form. Davis acknowledges his debt to the Duke on Ellington’s impressionistic The Clothed Woman, and Jay tips his hat to Lionel Hampton as the two bridge past present and future. Inspired by Balinese puppet theater, Davis’ Under the Double Moon exploits rhythmic tension and harmonic contrast to create a complex and compelling atmosphere. Hoggard’s Toe Dance For A Baby moves from lullaby, to upbeat Latinesque waltz. For this baby the world is full of wonder! An inventive and rewarding album that plays with contrast and coincidence.
