RON DAVIS: Shimmering Rhythm

Ron Davis

Shimmering Rhythm

© 2005 Ron Davis (634479116797)

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Gorgeous, energetic, melodic jazz with classical, klezmer and world influences. Piano trio meets cello/ viola/ clarinets. Brilliant arrangements. Dazzling. Shimmering.

notes

Top 10 of 2005:
- JAZZ.FM
- CODA Magazine
- Zeitgeist (Scotland)

"A terrific CD!" - Matt Galloway, CBC


Shimmering Rhythm goes from a regular jazz "Rhythm" tune with a strict three part classical fugue smack in the middle (Rhythmaron) to an Old World Hebrew tune (Chassal Siddur Pesach), back to a languid jazz ballad accompanied by classical voice (Les Angeliques), and a good old boogaloo (Pawpwalk). It's jazz meets classical meets klezmer meets pop, and back to jazz again.

I had heard Tania Gill's arrangements for the 5-woman group Runcible Spoon, in which she also plays piano. I was inspired to wed her arranging talents, as well as the unique instrumentation of Runcible Spoon (piano/ cello/ viola/ clarinet/ voice) to my Trio's work. Tania did a brilliant job, as did the "Spoons" who recorded with us, Monica Fedrigo (cello), Julia Hambleton (clarinet) and Karen Moffatt (viola). In addition to my genius Trio mates- bassist Drew Birston and drum-guy Ted Warren -I was eager to bring the amazing Sasha Boychouk and his compelling multi-reed player sound to our audience. The addition of opera great Jean Stilwell's mezzo-soprano was icing on this multi-layered cake.

My hope is that listeners will find the emotion and pleasure I find in the emotions, in the journey, and in each of the stops along the way.

Notes on the individual tracks:

1. Rhythmaron (Ron Davis) 5:22
Many jazz standards are based on the chord changes to Gershwin's I Got Rhythm. I had never written a "Rhythm" tune, so this was it. Tania's arrangement captures the playful flavour of the piece. After the solos, we go to a strict three part classical fugue that lasts over a minute, before we fly out of the ending.

2. Oratio (Ron Davis) 5:51
This is a gospel-like piece. I play at an African-Canadian church some Sundays. It was the inspired feeling playing there that I wanted to capture.

3. Shimmering Interlude #1 (Sasha Boychouk & Ron Davis) 0:30
Sasha and I improvised this Interlude based on a standard klezmer chord progression. It looks forward to Chassal Siddur Pesach.

4. Pawpwalk (Ron Davis) 3:26
This is the "radio piece". DJ's often complain that jazz tunes are too long and abstract. Well, this one isn't! It's in the tradition of some of Herbie Hancock's and Lee Morgan's work from the 1960's.

5. Les Angeliques (Ron Davis) 7:39
I wanted to write a very slow, very beautiful piece. This is what came out. The addition of the classical voice was to provide a different hue to the pallet.

6. Jeanamora (Ron Davis) 4:42
A latin-influenced song. It's fun to play latin!

7. Shimmering Interlude #2 (Ron Davis) 0:30
Another improvisation, to set up the following tune.

8. Chassal Siddur Pesach (trad.) 4:01
Since I was a child, my father sang this tune at the close of the Passover seder. This meant I only heard twice a year. It haunted me. I never heard it any other time. It stayed with me. I've never met anyone who knows this achingly beautiful tune. My father brought it with him out the Hungarian part of Romania where he was born in 1923. He survived the Nazi concentration camps, as did my mother, to make his way to Canada. This song is a bridge to his past, through my present and future as a musician.

9. Shimmering Interlude #3 (Sasha Boychouk & Ron Davis) 0:30
Sasha and I in one final improvisation to wind down Chassal Siddur Pesach.

10. Rhosymedre (trad. / R. Vaughan Williams) 7:11
This is a Welsh hymn, arranged by the great 20th century English classical composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. I've always thought it is one of the most beautiful tunes in the classical canon. The juxtaposition of this tune with Chassal Siddur Pesach seemed especially apt- different religious contexts, but beautiful music nonetheless.

11. The Way You Look Tonight (J. Kern ) 5:58
A jazz standard. One of my favourites. Too bad I don't sing, because the lyrics are a marvel.

12. Chassal Chassal (trad.) 2:07
Chassal Siddur Pesach closes the Passover seder. So we took a stunning portion of Tania's arrangement to close the cd. Then we added a brief explanation of Chassal Siddur Pesach by my father.

reviews

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  • "A lovely, personal album."
    author: Stanley Fefferman

    A lovely, personal album this is, comprising originals by band members Davis and reedman Sacha Boychuck, adaptations of classical (Vaughan Williams) and pop (Jerome Kern) pieces, and the Chassidic chanting of Davis’ old Dad, Alexander....This is an original album, with good solos, rich ensemble work, the kind of contemplative mood I favour, and a personal touch that puts Davis right out there, where he belongs.

  • "One of the most enjoyable jazz releases of 2005."
    author: Zeitgeist

    I was greatly taken with his last CD, 'Mungle Music', and was delighted to pop this into the music playing machine. Especially when the joyous opening track, 'Rhythmaron' is such a sparkling piece, with fingers flying over the piano in tribute to Gershwins 'I Got Rhythm'. But this is no one trick pony as the Trio take on board a battalion of guests (the Shimmering Rhythm) and an astonishing range of sounds. From the gospel like 'Oratio' to the latin influenced 'Jeanamora', on to the astonishing Passover tune, 'Chassal Siddur Pesach', the Welsh hymn arranged by Vaughn Williams, 'Rhosymedre' and the stunning rendition of the Jerome Kern classic, 'The Way You Look Tonight', this is an outstanding, fresh and life affirming piece of work, and one of the most enjoyable jazz releases of 2005.

  • "A tour de force ten times over!"
    author: E. J. Ianelli

    The term tour de force has often been used to describe a lot of things that aren't, but Shimmering Rhythm qualifies for the honor ten times over... Shimmering Rhythm is delightfully varied, expertly composed and performed, and retains a universal appeal without selling itself or the listener short. This is the kind of album that, for any number of reasons, could easily slip past the international jazz scene's peripheral vision - which would be a shame, because it has the potential to win converts while entertaining veteran listeners.

  • "One of the most versatile artists around... dazzlingly eclectic cd!"
    author: Kerry Doole- Tandem Magazine

    RON DAVIS: This pianist/composer is one of the most versatile artists around. He has successfully collaborated with vocalist LORI CULLEN, and released a series of fine albums. His new recording, Shimmering Rhythm, is dazzlingly eclectic, as Davis explains. "Our sound doesn't correspond to some listeners' notion of jazz. It's not bebop or swing or post-bop. There are elements of each, and much more." Other influences include classical, pop, and klezmer, and Davis tackles each style with real finesse. His trio's sound is augmented by such guests as famed mezzo-soprano JEAN STILWELL, arranger TANIA GILL, and skilled string and horn players.

  • "Tight and talented trio... International flair and sparkle in this adventurous
    author: Matthew S. Robinson - JazzUSA.com

    On his fourth CD, Toronto composer/performer Ron Davis sticks to tradition while taking giant steps. Hearkening back to the voices of his ancestors through the magic of modern technology, Davis also looks forward to broader musical landscapes, amplifying his tight and talented trio (which also features bassist Drew Birston and drummer Ted Warren) with strings, horns, and haunting vocals that call up a swath of emotions without a single word... While the albums¹ title is well chosen and well deserved, it does not say enough about the international flair and sparkle contained in this adventurous new recording.

  • "An excellent album!!"
    author: Peter Kuller- Radio Adelaide 101.5fm

    Had the pleasure to receive the CD today. An excellent album!! Thank you very much!

  • One of Ron Davis' best discs- and his last one was 2004 top 10!
    author: Claudette Gravel

    Un des meilleurs discs présentés par RON DAVIS, malgré que son dernier Mungle Music ait tenu le sommet des 10 meilleurs albums de jazz en 2004.

  • ... maybe even too good...Take a listen for yourself!
    author: Tiina Kiik- WholeNote

    Ron Davis is a really, really good jazz pianist. He is the musical equivalent of a great cup of coffee. His playing is like high quality beans blended to perfection for that extra much needed buzz. That’s solid technique and an appreciation of various styles with an energetic musicality. The Ron Davis Trio rhythm section of Drew Birston on bass and Ted Warren on drums provide a distinctive and supportive environment allowing Davis to spread his musical wings. The Shimmering Rhythm Ensemble is tight. All in all it is good release, maybe even too good... The Ron Davis Trio and Shimmering Rhythm release of “Shimmering Rhythm” is fun, full of many influences, and easy on the ears. Take a listen for yourself.

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