Steve Davis: Gettin’ It Done

A stalwart on the scene since the ’90s, when he worked with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Jackie McLean and Chick Corea’s Origin, trombonist Steve Davis has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer. A longstanding member of the co-op band One for All, Davis surrounds himself with stellar talent on his 18th outing as a leader, including frequent collaborators like bassist Nat Reeves, veteran pianist Larry Willis and the hard-swinging alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo. Newcomer Josh Bruneau, a recent graduate of the Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, blows bold trumpet lines on the burning title track, then delivers some tasty flugelhorn on Davis’ midtempo groover “Steppin’ Easy” and his mellow ballad “Alike.” Davis and his talented colleagues also deliver potent solos on renditions of John Coltrane’s “Village Blues” and Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny,” and get funky on the leader’s boogaloo “The Beacon,” for which Reeves switches to electric bass.