Think Ahead

"I’d match up this sextet full of clutch players against any other hard bop contingent playing today." -- Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition "The leader’s relaxed energy and his band’s assertive camaraderie make for a thrilling and richly rewarding ride." -- Chris Pearson, The Times (UK) "A profound, impeccably swinging, fiery collection of eleven tunes...Davis' writing is just like his playing, focused and to the point with a joyful energy. ...There is nothing better than feeling joy from music." -- Geannine Reid, All About Jazz ** Trombonist Steve Davis offers a master class on his new release, THINK AHEAD, in art of reacting to the unpredictable with an elite group of jazz all-stars whose ability to create spontaneously borders on the clairvoyant. For this album, Davis focuses on his original writing and arranging; it’s hardly a secret that Davis is one of the most talented composers on the modern jazz scene. To render these new compositions, Davis assembled a stellar group of masters: the trombonist is joined by saxophonists Steve Wilson and Jimmy Greene, pianist Larry Willis, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, each deserving the title of “jazz giant” in their own right. In fact, it was this precise ensemble that Davis had in mind when he sat down to write several months before the session. He shares with every member of the ensemble a long and deep history, so he knew that he would have the makings of a truly profound, flawlessly swinging, flat-out burning set of music. In addition to Davis’ originals, THINK AHEAD also includes two beloved standards, “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” and “Love Walked In,” as well as two jazz classics by departed giants Tony Williams and Bobby Hutcherson, “Warrior” and “Little B’s Poem,” respectively. “I’ve been deeply involved with everyone in this band on not only a professional level but as friends for decades,” Davis says. “So it was more than an honor to have this group together.” The resulting record is an inspired set of straight-ahead jazz that will be a favorite for years to come.