Though he is an accomplished pianist in the classical field, with a rich catalog of choral and symphonic works to this credit,
Roger Davidson has been creatively restless these past few years -- and that's been a joyful blessing for fans willing to take the adventurous journey with him. He's done recordings focusing on tango, Latin, and Caribbean-spiced children's songs and a memorable South American jaunt called
Rodgers in Rio. Working with jazz-steeped bassist
David Finck (
Dizzy Gillespie,
Joe Williams) and classical/jazz drummer
Dave Ratajczak (
Woody Herman,
Gerry Mulligan),
Davidson works up a colorful, straight-ahead jazz mix of mostly originals and a few chestnuts. It's not surprising that he touches on a chamber music effect at the start of a staid reading of "Autumn Leaves," but the tune then ventures on a thoughtful, low-key jazz road.
Davidson is an expert at mood swings, moving gracefully from the contemplative "Ballad for a Future Day" to the sensuous and mysterious, New Orleans-flavored "Pour Me Another" and the feisty samba "Brazilian Dream."
Davidson seems to have the Midas touch on all genres he's touched, and the exuberant spirit he brings to this recording makes it clear that jazz is definitely more than a one-night stand. ~ Jonathan Widran