By necessity, jazz trombonists tend to be inspired by music of the early jazz and swing eras, because the instrument lost favor around the time bop became ascendant and all young jazz fans wanted to become either
Charlie Parker or
Miles Davis. Massachusetts-born, New York-based trombonist
Steve Davis bucks that trend, however: he's a post-bop player all the way, down to covering
Jackie McLean's
Parker tribute, "Bird Lives." (Guest trumpeter
Roy Hargrove contributes an outstanding, fluid solo on this track as well.)
Update is a small-combo date featuring
Davis and
Hargrove in front of a four-piece rhythm section, with a song selection featuring two by
Wayne Shorter, a lovely rendition of
Billy Strayhorn's underappreciated gem "Daydream," and a cool,
Miles-like take on
Ray Drummond's little-known composition "Leanin' and Preenin'" that shows off a killer walking bassline by Nat Reeves. Unexpected song choices, smart arrangements, and
Davis' excellent, understated playing make
Update one of
Davis' strongest albums as a leader. ~ Stewart Mason