There are a handful of independent record labels doing a better job of showcasing the cutting edge in jazz than the majors. The fearless Pi Recordings comes to mind, as does trumpeter Dave Douglas’ Greenleaf Music. But pianist-educator Kris Davis’ venture, Pyroclastic Records, must be included in the conversation of innovative, self-sufficient outlets.
Pianist Kris Davis founded Pyroclastic Records and teaches at the Berklee College of Music. (Caroline Mardok, provided by Pyroclastic)
In recent weeks, the forward-looking label has released the rhythmic, celebratory “Breaking Stretch,” from vibraphonist Patricia Brennan, as well as Davis’ newest outing as a leader, the exciting “Run the Gauntlet.” Both projects are exquisitely produced, and happily show off the possibilities of what can be understood as jazz in 2024.
Davis, who brings her trio to Dazzle on Oct. 8, tells me “Run” is a way to show her admiration for the magnificent female pianists who have moved her, including the late legends Geri Allen and Carla Bley.
“I thought this would be a good opportunity to pay tribute to these women who have inspired me in different ways, as a pianist and composer. But also as a mother, and just having a life in the arts, and what that means for women who sometimes feel like they’re swimming upstream,” she said.
All the pianists referenced through Davis’ performances on “Run the Gauntlet” are trailblazers, and the trio (with drummer Johnathan Blake and bassist Robert Hurst) effectively captures their innovative spirits.
“There are still elements of those traditional things rooted in jazz,” she said of the album. “There’s improvisation, and a search for innovation and creativity, and looking for a way to self-reflect. It’s the music you want to create with your peers.”
In addition to the remarkable music Davis has been presenting on Pyroclastic Records, she’s been setting an example for students at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, where she teaches at The Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about mentorship and representation. We work toward gender and racial equity in jazz both within Berklee and in the greater jazz community. There have been all sorts of initiatives and projects to address the issues.”
With artists and educators like Davis in the mix, it’s easy to be optimistic about the future of improvised music.
The Kris Davis Trio featuring. Robert Hurst and Johnathan Blake will appear on Oct. 8 at 6:30 and 9 p.m. at Dazzle, 1080 14th St. in Denver. Tickets are $30 through dazzledenver.com.
Guitarist Al Di Meola performs at the Five Continents Jazz Festival, in Marseille, southern France, on July 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
And more jazz this month: The Tenia Nelson Trio plays Denver’s Nocturne on Sept. 29. … Guitar legend Al Di Meola and his Electric Band appear at Boulder’s Chautauqua Auditorium on Oct. 1. … Colorado vocalist and songwriter Tina Phillips performs at Boulder’s Full Cycle Café & Bar on Oct. 4. … Rising star saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin takes to the stage of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 13. … Rapper Andre 3000, formerly of the beloved duo Outkast, has successfully taken up the flute and plays convincing spiritual jazz on his album “New Blue Sun.” He’ll present his new sound at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Oct. 17. … Afrobeat guitar hero Ebo Taylor and vocalist Pat Thomas appear at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on Oct. 22. … Grammy winner Samara Joy sings at the Paramount Theatre on Oct. 30. Also on Oct. 30: Nissi’s in Lafayette presents “Wine & Jazz.”
Bret Saunders is a freelance writer, jazz aficionado and radio deejay.