The term slow burn has been used to describe sensuality in music for decades. Billie Davies Trio is just that, a slow burn of improvisational ideas, coupled with complex rhythms and harmonic colors. Female Drummer Billie Davies, who originally hails from Belgium is at the helm, leading her trio through a well-balanced program of standards re-arranged and originals that complement each other in the context of this recording with ease. The main theme throughout is spaciousness, it permeates the overall concept of the album. Take the opening track “Stella by Starlight” a well-known standard that has been well-documented, but when in the hands of this apt trio it becomes like a firework show that bursts with originality. Trombonist Tom Bone Rails adds a clear yet inviting tone that cuts through nicely, yet adds a sense of warmth at the same time. Bassist Oliver Steinberg has a more mid-range tone that is effective in this setting, not overpowering the ‘slow burn,’ his ability to lay down a solid canvas while creating figures of interest, again further adds to the interest of the interaction and chemistry.
Originals such as “Green Cheese” add a depth of Avant to the proceedings, while “BUrst” is just that, an eruption of 32 seconds of pure energy. “High Noon” another wonderful original is driven by Davies nimble musings and scurrying rhythms, juxtaposed against Rails and Steinberg’s free improvising figures, all adding up to a comfortable, yet intriguing listen. This is not for the casual listener who lives in the swing zone – All About Love is just that, a true love story of the improvisation of jazz and its innate nature to stretch, pull and push the boundaries. The Billie Davies trio truly shows its devotion to the jazz idiom with this wonderful debut of creative modern borderline Avant-garde offering – truly a delight on many levels and I hope not the last from the Billie Davies Trio.
http://jazztimes.com/community/articles/58291-billie-davies-trio-all-about-love
