CD Review: Josephine Davies – Satori

Josephine Davies (tenor & soprano saxophones), Dave Whitford (double bass) & Paul Clarvis (drums)

(Review by Russell).

Josephine Davies’ new album on Whirlwind Recordings is an improvising trio affair. Collaborators Dave Whitford and Paul Clarvis are old hands at this game and Davies playing tenor and soprano saxophones maintains interest throughout. Eight tracks with a total playing time of 54:30 provide a platform for Davies to stretch out and develop ideas, exhibiting equal facility on tenor and soprano.

Satori is a Japanese Buddhist term meaning, variously, ‘awakening’, ‘comprehension’ and ‘sudden enlightenment’ – online dictionaries do have their uses! Seek and thee shall find. Whatever Davies was – and possibly still is – looking for, this new CD on Michael Janisch’s label is a winner. On trio dates there is nowhere to hide and Davies certainly doesn’t hide her light under a bushel. Working with bassist Whitford and drummer Clarvis, Guildhall graduate Davies plays fluently throughout, as do her accomplished associates. Repetition largely, if not entirely, avoided is a triumph in itself and a mischievous sense of fun is never far from the surface, looming large on Paradoxy and Paradoxy Alternate Take in homage to Sonny Rollins.                 

Russell

Satori by Josephine Davies is available now on Whirlwind Recordings (4700). Recommended.