Steve Davis—For Real (Positone). Trombonist Steve Davis has hit a tasteful sweet spot here—a mellow, hard bop configuration that keeps the feel gentle but enveloping. All the songs are Davis originals except for one (that one is by pianist Larry Willis)—and the results are so cohesive and melodic you’d think they were from the Blue Note catalogue. Tenor saxophonist Abraham Burton matches Davis’ easy-does-it nocturnal feel. A gorgeous album. –
