Trombonist MICHAEL DAVIS Presents: OPEN CITY

Sometimes, a musician is described as someone who has, “played with everyone.” It usually means they’re a “musician’s musician,” have an enviable CV and have done quite a bit of high profile sideman work over many years. Trombonist/composer Michael Davis takes this narrative into the stratosphere, with a diverse and acclaimed career currently over the 40 year mark, and proceeding unimpeded, full-steam ahead. Davis is widely known as the trombonist for five world tours with the Rolling Stones, and touring and recording extensively with Frank Sinatra. Davis spent two amazing years with the Buddy Rich Big Band, and as testimony to his versatility and wide regard, the list of jazz and pop luminaries he has worked with includes: James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Jay Z, Sarah Vaughan, Sting, Beck, Branford Marsalis, Peter Gabriel, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Bob Mintzer, Paul Simon, David Sanborn, Terence Blanchard and scores of others. 

Michael Davis’ new recording is titled Open City. From the opening notes of “Hossland,” (with tremendous solos from Charles Pillow, Scott Wendholt and David Mann), waves of beauty, optimism, joy and hope surge from your speakers, potentially lifting you up, and washing away any worry, sorrow or pain . . . yes, it possesses a remarkably subtle potency, and, is in accord with the theme and aesthetic of this remarkable recording: Open City is a musical reflection on the inclusive, open nature of being a musician in post pandemic New York City. “The joy of being back performing live with other musicians, going into a studio to record our projects, sharing the challenges we all faced as performing artists and building back the business we all share so much passion for,” said Davis.

Open City marks Davis’ fourteenth album as a leader, and his sophomore recording fronting his acclaimed Hip-Bone Big Band. He has assembled a star-studded cast of New York City jazz and studio luminaries including Steve Wilson, David Mann, Andy Snitzer, Troy Roberts, Charles Pillow, Judy Lee, Mike Rodriguez, Scott Wendholt, Tony Kadleck, Marshall Gilkes, Ryan Keberle, Bill Reichenbach, Andy Ezrin, David Finck and Jared Schonig.

In addition to highlighting Davis’ rousing and dynamic sound as a player and writer, Open City showcases a unique family alliance with Davis’ eldest son Cole Davis penning three of the compositions (“Open City,” “Three and Out” & “Dark Horse”), and playing bass on four tracks, while Davis’ younger son Zaq Davis brings his talents to the trumpet section (on tracks 1, 4, 6, 7, 8). Cole Davis also co-produced the entire project with his dad and contributed the title track, which according to the older Davis, is, “definitely the strongest piece on the album.”