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Dedicated to Tadd ~ The Charles Davis Sextet | By Eddie Carter

The Charles Davis Sextet steps into this morning’s spotlight, showcasing the multi-instrumentalist on his second outing as a bandleader with Dedicated to Tadd (West 54 WLW 8006). My introduction to Davis came through three standout albums: “Breakthrough,” “Illumination,” and “Manhattan Project.” Davis has contributed as a sideman to more than 100 recordings, with some of jazz’s brightest talents; however, he is best known for his work with Archie Shepp and Sun Ra. This date features a stellar lineup: Tex Allen on trumpet; Clifford Adams, Jr. on trombone; Charles Davis alternates between baritone sax (A2, B3), soprano sax (A1, B2), and tenor sax (A3, B1); Kenny Barron on piano; Walter Booker, Jr. on bass; and Billy Hart on drums. My copy of the album is the 1979 U.S. stereo release.

Monking, the first of four originals by Charles Davis, gets off to a good start with the sextet’s engaging melody in unison. The fun begins as Tex leads with a lively opening solo. Clifford comes in next, laying down an infectious groove. Kenny takes over to deliver a performance executed with thoughtful, nuanced articulation. Charles glides effortlessly through the closing statement on soprano into the climax. Eastern Vibrations comes to life with the ensemble’s collective theme at medium speed. Allen steps forward first with a bright and captivating solo. Adams is especially impressive in the following reading. Barron tackles the third reading incisively, and then Booker seizes the moment in his first statement. Davis’s baritone brings it all home with unmistakable authority, leading to the theme’s reprise.

The group ventures onto Mexico Street next, beginning with Billy’s concise introduction ahead of the sextet’s rapid-fire theme. Tex sets the bar with a brisk and agile solo, paving the way for Clifford’s energetic interpretation. Charles’s tenor sax brings a thrilling intensity to the following statement. Kenny keeps things rolling in an electrifying performance, then Walter and Billy both make a brief comment preceding the ensemble’s robust exit. The title tune, Dedicated to Tadd, unfolds as a graceful ballad, opening with a soft piano prelude that ushers in the group’s beautiful melody. Davis draws out the song’s tenderness in the opening tenor sax statement. Barron infuses the following solo with sensitivity and finesse, before the ensemble’s gentle reprise of the theme and a touching ending.

The last two tracks come from the pen of Tex Allen, starting with the sextet’s introduction and medium melody to Love Gods. Charles gets the opening solo underway with a laid-back soprano interpretation. A brief piano interlude leads to Tex, who hits his target in the following interpretation. A second short piano break leads to the sextet’s closing chorus and finale. Sir Charles, the trumpeter’s tribute to Charles Davis, turns the beat upward one final time for the ensemble’s introduction and theme. Davis gets right to work on the baritone sax and turns in an opening solo that’s a sheer delight. Allen shines in a flawless performance, which in turn leads to Barron’s final statement preceding the sextet’s return to the theme, affording Adams a concise comment as the music gracefully fades away.

Roger Pola produced the album, and the executive producer was Pierre Bourdain. Allan Tucker was behind the dials as the recording engineer. The album’s sound quality is excellent, featuring a superb soundstage that places the musicians directly in the listener’s sweet spot with impressive fidelity. Dedicated to Tadd is an enjoyable album that showcases each artist at their best. If you’re a sax fan and are looking for something fresh to add to your library, I offer for your consideration Dedicated to Tadd by the Charles Davis Sextet on your next record-shopping trip! It shines a spotlight on a truly talented multi-instrumentalist deserving of wider recognition!

~ Breakthrough (Cobblestone CST 9011), Illumination! (Impulse A-49/AS-49), Manhattan Project (Bee Hive Records BH 7001) – Source: Discogs.com

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