PAPATAMUS REDUX

CELLAR MUSIC (RELEASED APRIL 3, 2026)

Saxophonist Jesse Davis’ latest recording is a tribute to Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt and Cannonball Adderley. Yet, he does it without playing a single tune associated with those legendary saxophonists. Davis does it by imbuing the seven tunes on Reflections with the spirit of Parker’s harmonic intensity, Stitt’s rapid-fire attack and Adderley’s sinewy soulfulness. Like his earlier recordings, which are few and far between, the music of Reflections is crisp, clean and charged with joyful emotion. A lot of that has to do with the musical acuity of the trio that supports him — pianist Spike Wilner (who accompanied Davis on his 2023 Live at Smalls release, bassist John Webber and drummer Lewis Nash — as well as the tunes — four Davis originals, two Monk tunes and a heartfelt version of “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans,” that Davis dedicates to his hometown. The trio is in perfect synch with Davis on the Latin groove of “Blue Autumn,” a Davis original that opens the session as well as the other three originals featured on Reflections — the loping blues titled “Choctaw Alley,” the funky beat of “Funk Sugo” and the medium swing of “It’s Just Farewell.” Rather than imitating Thelonius Monk, the band makes Reflections and Evidence their own by avoiding over-used Monk cliches. Davis and Wilner exchange the melody and bridge on “Reflections” and Nash sets the rhythmic tone of “Evidence” with the recognizable melody delivered as an opening drum solo. While Davis conjures up the spirit of Parker, Stitt and Adderley, Wilner’s bop-charged solos bring the spirit of Barry Harris to the session. Webber’s playing and soloing echoes some of the finest players that worked with Parker, Stitt and Adderley. Nash deserves the featured billing he gets on the cover (with his name in bold) for energizing the session with his expert timekeeping, versatility and tasteful solos. In a career spanning more than three decades, Reflections is a reminder of Davis’ commitment to create groove-oriented music to which people can feel a connection. For me, Reflections connects me to the legends who shaped Davis’ career. What better tribute can there be than that?

BOTTOM LINE: Reflections is more than apt title for Jesse Davis’ newest release, and that goes well beyond the inclusion of that Monk tune on the set. Davis reflects on the alto saxophonists who shaped his style. He reflects on the loss of a family member with two originals. He reflects on his hometown with a heartfelt version of “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans.” This new release is indeed a reflection on Davis’ more than three decades as a confident, controlled  and compassionate jazz musician.