Walter Davis Jr. "Davis Cup"

Walter Davis Jr.

"Davis Cup"

( LP Blue Note Records, 1960 )

Catalog # BLP4018

** Also issued on Blue Note BST 84018, B1 32098

Tracklisting:
01 'S Make It
02 Loodle-Lot
03 Sweetness
04 Rhumba Nhumba
05 Minor Mind
06 Millie's Delight

Personnel:
Donald Byrd - Trumpet
Jackie McLean - Alto Sax
Walter Davis, Jr. - Piano
Sam Jones - Bass
Art Taylor - Drums

Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
August 2, 1959

Review:

Walter Davis, Jr.’s debut record as a leader for Blue Note is a terrific hard bop session, a driving collection of six original tunes that emphasize the strengths not only of the pianist himself, but also his supporting band: trumpeter Donald Byrd, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Art Taylor. Apart from the lovely ballad “Sweetness,” Davis Cup moves along at a brisk pace, with the rhythm section urging the soloists to new heights. Byrd has rarely sounded better, and on this date McLean provides ample evidence that he was moving beyond the conventions of hard bop and developing his own unique style. Davis, of course, does more than acquit himself — he contributes an engaging, energetic performance that keeps the music grounded. His compositions are just as captivating, whether it’s the swinging “Rhumba Nhumba” or the darkly invigorating “Minor Mind.” It all adds up to a wonderful straight-ahead hard bop date, one that’s so good it’s a wonder that Davis didn’t receive another chance to lead a session until 1979.
By Stephen Thomas Erlewine
(AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Note: Highly Recommended!

By Rob