| Jazz |
Carn Davidson 9 is an impressive ensemble composed of accomplished musicians who are sure to captivate with their talent: Tara Davidson – Alto saxophone, flute, vocals (track 3); Kelly Jefferson – Tenor saxophone and clarinet; Shirantha Beddage – Baritone saxophone and bass clarinet; Jason Logue – Trumpet; Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet; William Carn – Trombone, vocals (track 3); Christian Overton – Bass trombone; Andrew Downing – Double bass; Ernesto Cervini – Drums. Additionally, two guest musicians join them: Dick Oatts – Alto saxophone (track 1); Mark Kelso – Percussion (track 4).
Our friend Ernesto Cervini brings the essential groove that lifts the ensemble and infuses each musician with energy through a series of thoughtfully chosen compositions that even evoke a scenic vision of the project. Carn Davidson 9 (CD9) was founded in 2010 as a collaborative project by JUNO Award-winning artists, trombonist William Carn and saxophonist Tara Davidson. Led by these two artists, CD9 offers a unique opportunity for composing in a jazz chamber ensemble format. With its seven wind instruments supported by double bass and drums, CD9 is a dynamic, engaging ensemble that captivates and entertains its audience. From swing to Brazilian baião, CD9 delivers an eclectic yet cohesive repertoire of compositions by Carn and Davidson. Their fourth studio album, *Reverence*, introduces two new suites by co-leaders Carn and Davidson, paying tribute to some of their musical heroes.
Here, everything is about rhythmic and sonic power; yet, the compositions and arrangements show exceptional finesse for this type of ensemble. William Carn’s *Pan-American Suite* is partly dedicated to his Latin heritage and love for Brazilian music. Of Costa Rican descent, Carn named the movement “Florencio” in honor of his father, who was his first music teacher without even realizing it, thanks to his deep passion for all kinds of music. Other movements are inspired by Brazilian composers Sérgio Mendes, Hermeto Pascoal, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, whose sense of melody, rhythm, and lightness has been a lasting inspiration for Carn’s musical journey. Saudé!
The unique qualities of this group undoubtedly stem from the combined talents of William Carn and Ernesto Cervini, both of whom bring a wide-ranging knowledge that spans jazz and world music, among other genres. Add to this a cast of extremely talented musicians, and you get a first-rate album, one you’ll want to share with friends. Tara Davidson’s *Saxophonists Suite* is dedicated to Dick Oatts, Joshua Redman, Christine Jensen, and Kenny Garrett—four contemporary jazz saxophonists who have profoundly influenced Davidson, bringing her joy and invaluable inspiration through their exceptional talent as saxophonists, improvisers, and composers. Davidson sought to compose a movement for each of these saxophonists, aiming to capture elements of their musical voices while honoring them. And it works beautifully, with compositions crafted like film scores—one comes away from listening to this CD with the sense that only the images of an unmade film are missing. An album that is, without a doubt, “Essential” for those who appreciate this kind of orchestral arrangement.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 26th 2024
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