David Davis - Dig This! (2018)

Raised and born in Connecticut saxophonist David Davis emphasizes the fact that the greatest work of his life are his two daughters, whom he lovingly addresses as a family man.

In second place his solo albums are to be mentioned, as there are his debut, the Christmas album The Reason For The Season (1998), Can't Get Enough Of Your Love (2000), This Christmas, a Christmas album with Hartford’s vocalist, Charmagne (2001), Reparations, a compilation with various artists from Connecticut. Further albums are Smile (2006), Song Of David (2007), Pop Droppin It (2008), and An R&B Edge (2008).

His 9th full-length album Dig It! will be released January 18th, 2018, ten years after his previous projects. His new album features singer Elizabeth Dellinger, guitarist Rohn Lawrence, bassist Lawrence White and several guest musicians on selected tracks.

The album starts with a good-natured title song, processing the elements of nursery rhymes into an irresistible groove. Blue Skies shines with an easygoing flow and excellent contributions by bassist Steve Clarke and guitarist Gabe Blizman.

Chick Flick promises dignified elegance with Davis' sax arrangement underlined by Christian Howes on violin. Dragon Moor steps on the gas with a mighty beat in hip hop style with a jazzy piano overhead.

Tell Me features sultry singer Elizabeth Dellinger with the breath of a living soul. Ace In The Hole presents in a inseparable mixture of funk and contemporary jazz bass veteran Ace Livingston. I Need Your Love follows modern trends like Vocoder vocals, drum programming, clapping and auto tune, anyway, Jasleni's vocals are a bliss.

Ek Soni Kudi is the daring blend of Indian music with modern urban jazz. The title Heartbreak Hotel is since Elvis Presley a synonym for rock and roll. David Davis enters the sacred gates to present his own rock interpretation on base of Michael Jackson’s original song. Music Chose Me is his commitment to music, performed by Vocoder vocals and enriched by the vocal contributions of singer Elizabeth Dellinger and rapper Jordon.

Lina’s Dilemma is certainly not straightforward and the musical relationship between saxophone and piano and keyboard accompaniment requires a new understanding of harmony. Blair Bryant had a great influence on the creation of Livia’s Dream. He co-produced the song and played drums, bass and additional keys. He is called a true musical prodigy and a fierce bassist and you understand his motto, that the bass is the foundation of the groove.

The title Surrealism does not bode well for me. After a brief explanation of the real, it's time to get down to business. It seems David is looking for a match between smooth jazz and free jazz. Haneef Nelson on flugelhorn brings serenity to the topic. What Love Is however, turns out to be an exciting groovy catchy. Three components are responsible. First, the groovy rhythm, second, the sexy voice of NuNuu Smith and, moreover, Davis holds convincingly to the laws of harmony.

Final song is Sweet Aroma, in which Davis makes clear again why his album deserves the title "special". His mind-blowing solo on the EWI can compete easily with the impressive solo by Jonathan Dubose on guitar.

David Davis plays on his album Dig This! sometimes against the grain. He is quickly forgiven this escapades. Because genius is behind the unusual.