World Jazz |

A substantial envelope arrives in our mailbox, accompanied by a charming little note from Josephine Davies, extending her New Year’s wishes. We reciprocate wholeheartedly, all the more so as my European heritage finds itself flattered by this exceptional album—rich and intricate, just as I love them, for such works have an almost immediate power to transport me into reverie. Clearly, greatness knows no age, and as remarkable a saxophonist as she is a composer, Josephine Davies takes us by the hand from the very first notes of this album, guiding us on a journey through a world of absolute artistic depth. I would not be in the least surprised to see her soon composing for major cinematic productions.
Rooted in the windswept archipelago of the Shetland Islands, this eight-part suite carries the listener on a yearlong voyage through ancestral Celtic and seasonal festivals. From the darkness of winter to the renewal of spring, through the harvest season, the autumnal equinox, and the winter solstice, Davies weaves a cohesive tapestry tinged with Nordic hues, blending classical influences with jazz and folk. Her remarkable gift for composition is unmistakably novelistic, imbued with a form of poetic purity that is quintessentially Celtic—one can clearly discern her classical training, which lends a heightened sense of dramaturgy to the work. Here, Josephine Davies asserts her style unapologetically; take it or leave it. As for us, we take it—embracing yet another talent we simply cannot afford to overlook.
It is equally enthralling to hear the artist speak of the origins of this creation: “After composing several pieces for jazz orchestra and inspired by a move to the countryside during lockdown, I felt the urge to deepen my connection with nature and revisit my initial composition. The result is an eight-part suite, each movement inspired by a particular moment of the year and what it represents for me emotionally and spiritually.”
That period of confinement may now seem distant, yet it is fascinating to witness how, even after all this time, artistic endeavors continue to emerge from it. Perhaps, by force of circumstance, many artists were compelled to draw upon the depths of their inner worlds for creative sustenance…
An ambitious project—one that might have seemed mad at first glance—reveals itself, in the end, to be nothing short of a dazzling splendor. Just imagine, for a moment, the undertaking of such a composition: it can only be brought to life by musicians of the highest caliber.
Josephine Davies – composer, conductor, tenor saxophone
Michael Chillingworth – alto & soprano saxophone
Rachael Cohen – alto saxophone
Helena Kay – tenor saxophone
Adam Bishop – tenor saxophone, clarinet, alto flute
Tamar Osborn – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
Noel Langley – trumpet, flugelhorn
Reuben Fowler – trumpet, flugelhorn
Nick Smart – trumpet, flugelhorn
Robbie Robson – trumpet, flugelhorn
Anna Drysdale – French horn
Olli Martin – trombone
Maddie Dowdeswell – trombone
Eddie Curtis – bass trombone
Alcyona Mick – piano
Dave Whitford – double bass
Shaney Forbes – drums
Such compositions abound in the United States, yet they bear a different flavor. The European essence of these works imbues them with a greater depth, offering an alternative reading—one that masterfully plays with shadow and light. Without question, this album earns its place, with pride, among our collection of “Indispensable” recordings.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 30th 2025
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