Jan/Feb2007 issue
KRIS DAVIS – The Slightest Shift (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Kris Davis’ quartet wastes no time on her second CD. Digging through eight of the pianist’s turbulent, open-structured pieces in a crisp 40 minutes, they slide readily into collective groans, finger-snapping Monk-ish walks and tumbled heaps of crossed melodic lines. Davis’ compositions are carefully drawn but explosive. As she slices through expressive tangles of notes, tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby spars with Eivind Opsvik’s bass and Jeff Davis’ colorful drumming, making for a spirited four-way conversation.
Forrest Dylan Bryant