Musically, there are many great reasons to live in Chicago. The city is, of course, known for its blues and house music. Equally impressive is Chicago’s Symphony.
Trumpeter Obert Davis is a vital part of the rich Chicago jazz scene. His solo work as a band leader is impressive and vital. Perhaps equally impressive is his work with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. On their second full release, they tackle Miles Davis with a classic reimagining titled Sketches of Spain Revisited.
The CJP artistic director and composer boldly maps out two brand-new compositions, very much in the vein of the 1960s classic recording — yet brings an intensity and vitalness all of his own.
Perhaps it’s the project’s dynamics, supported as it is by the elements of African and Middle eastern music. They fit like a comfortable and well-polished shoe. Perhaps it’s the newly arranged orchestral elements, which add an intensity to Gil Evans’ charts.
Whatever the cause, Obert Davis and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic manage to be faithful to the original, yet take it to new heights with Sketches of Spain Revisited.
- Nosotros, “Mentiras” (2024): One Track Mind - April 10, 2024
- Nick Finzer, Christian Fabian, Rachel Z + Others: Five for the Road - April 5, 2024
- Terry Blade on ‘Ethos: Son of a Sharecropper’: Something Else! Interview - March 10, 2024
