Requisites

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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KEN WALKER SEXTET

The Ken Walker Sextet is an iconic and beloved jazz group which has played together for more than two decades. The music is always swinging, often funky, and sometimes even profound. The repertoire ranges from jazz standards, to post bop tunes, original compositions, and always, always inspired by Eddie Harris!

And the evening  can special with a Date Night Package for $45.00 with abottle of wine and a decadent dessert.

The Band: Ken Walker – Bass | Paul Romaine – Drums | Dave Corbus – Guitar | TBA – Piano | Brad Goode – Trumpet | Peter Sommer – Sax

Cover: $23.55 ~ $29.25

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TOMI BERRY

A beautiful performer, inside and out, Tomi brings natural grace, a rich soulful voice, and spiritual essence to her performances throughout the Atlanta area and beyond. Wherever Tomi Berry sings, she spreads joy.  Whether singing smooth R&B, swinging jazz, or sultry ballads, she holds an audience in rapt attention.  A spiritual song-stylist, she engages her listeners in musical conversation.

The 2016 42nd Annual Lawrence Award Winner for “Best Seasoned Performer” and the runner up for the 2016’s inaugural Atlanta’s Top Vocalist competition, Susan “Tomi” Berry has an extensive background in  performing and public speaking. An accomplished, classically trained singer, Tomi has performed most of her life in multiple music genres, starting formally in gospel and spiritual church choirs in her hometown of Montclair, NJ.

A featured performer at The Velvet Note Acoustic Living Room, she performed two shows with Grammy winner, Atlanta-based producer/keyboardist, Phil Davis, bassist. Trey Gilbert, and drummer, Joey Williams.

Omar Askew ~ Keyboard

Cover: Free

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Adrian Tilbrook was born on July 20, 1948 in Hartlepool, Co. Durham, England. The son of a tenor saxophone/clarinet player, he studied drums for two years with Max Abrams. In 1974 he replaced Tony Hicks in the blues-influenced rock trio Back Door and toured extensively in Germany and the UK in the 70s with British blues giant Alexis Korner.

Tilbrook formed Full Circle with trombonist Rick Taylor in 1984 and ventured into jazz. Throughout his freelance career, played with many American musicians, including Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis, Al Grey, James Moody, Jimmy Witherspoon and Al Casey, as well as British artists such as Ian Carr, Allan Holdsworth, Don Weller and Stan Tracey.

A powerful and tasteful technician, he has been influenced by Elvin Jones and Billy Higgins. Drummer Adrian Tilbrook, who has taught percussion for many years and since 1986 has worked with Northern Arts/Yorkshire Arts as Jazz Development Officer based at Jazz Action in Darlington, continues to perform and record.

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LORI WILLIAMS

Acclaimed international jazz vocalist Lori Williams boasts over 30 years of experience as a performing artist, music educator, songwriter, producer, actress, radio host, and founder of PositiveMusicPM.org. Her dynamic career includes annual vocal jazz tours and performances at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, spanning Europe, Japan, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. As an artist-in-residence, Lori has mentored students on college campuses globally, enriching the jazz tradition and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Lori’s achievements as an educator and performer have earned her numerous accolades, including the National Hampton Alumni Association’s 2023 Excellence in Arts and Entertainment Award and a 2014 Helen Hayes Award nomination for her portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald. A graduate of Hampton University, Lori also hosts the weekly radio program “Collector’s Choice With Lori Williams” on JazzRadioWETF.org, highlighting women in jazz and international talent. She curates live jazz experiences as the producer and host of the Sunday Jazz Lounge at St. James Live! in Atlanta.

Over her illustrious career, Lori has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Oleta Adams, Norman Brown, Peabo Bryson, and George Duke. She has released six independent albums, with her latest single, “Take My Wings,” debuting in October 2023. Lori recently recorded a jazz album in Austria, anticipated for a 2025 release, further solidifying her impact on the global jazz scene.

Tickets: $20.00 ~ $35.00

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