JOSEPHINE DAVIES WITH SATORI JAZZ AT HIDDEN ROOMS
Josephine Davies live image by Michael Harris
Jazz must rejoice in the brilliant talent of Josephine Davies. Cambridge Modern Jazz finds acts from all over the place, but this choice, a gifted group with a superb saxophonist/composer was something original – JD created almost all the pieces performed. Jazz is still mainly male interest. Its heroes whether in the Black American tradition, or the European strands are men. Yes women are thicker on the ground in the jazz landscape these days as performers, but few front up an ensemble – and none as exquisitely entertaining at Sartori.
Impossibly talented Jay Davis photographed in performance by Mike Harris
Not that that feminist Josephine would welcome any sex-based comparisons. Or any maudlin exceptionalism. Yet her band is equally gender-balanced; Dave Whitford on bass played solid expressive sounds whilst with more spectacular sessions, Jay Davis emitted quasi magical rhythms ranged from Latin-esque Samba -style percussive wood, to Indian-sourced mystical metres.
Alcyona Mick photograph live by Mike Harris
Weatherwards is the title of their new album. It evokes a rough dangerous world of crashing waves, the perils of a lighthouse only accessible by winch as the sea is too turbulent, and the peace of life in West Scotland’s coves and caves.
The heavenly harmonics came from Josphine on her inventive saxophone. And to enhance them, she introduced the magically names Alcyona Mick for some dizzyingly virtuosic duos – and solos. Some of it was truly lyrical, all of her playing was suffused with feeling.
Dave Whitford by Michael Harris - the Cambridge Critique Photographer in action
The result was awesome. Two beautiful women took us on an emotional trajectory through the wilds of the Shetland islands and the warm harmonies of home in a heart moving ballad with a deep Welsh connection, .The wildly racey sixties saxophonist Ornette Coleman (look up Lonely Woman on The Shape of Jazz to Come) is Josphine’s favourite jazz inspiration. Her contemporary vibe is homage to his famously eclectic style. Hard to find a musician who moves from bop to folk in the space of one number but this artist does it fabulously.
The Cambridge Modern Jazz Club have scored again. This is a group with European plaudits and a deeply British/Irish grounding. With crazy contemporary elements. Tempted? You will love it.
‘Weatherwards’ is just out in CD and vinyl.
Josephine Davies Jazz orchestra The Enso Ensemble is about to release its debut album ‘The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite’ on Ubuntu Records.
