New Jersey Star-Ledger

Sunday, October 10, 2007
BY ZAN STEWART

Charles Davis / Land Of Dreams (Smalls SRCD-0023)

Newark Star-Ledger / June 10, 2007

Charles Davis / Land of Dreams (Smalls)
***1/2

Review by Zan Stewart

The gifted Chicago-native, NYC-resident Charles Davis, 74, has played bebop with Kenny Dor ham and Barry Harris, and open- minded sounds with Sun Ra -- and both as a leader. His tenor saxo phone sound is vital and singeing, which makes anything he plays worth hearing. His ideas range from smooth, curving thoughts (think Charlie Parker) to those that are starker, recalling John Coltrane. Davis is backed with spark on these alluring selections by his longtime rhythm team of pianist Tardo Hammer, bassist Lee Hudson, and drummer Jimmy Wormworth. On "JC," the leader issues fluid lines, vaulting chords, crying high tones. Hammer is likewise a terror, as is the crackling Worm worth. The engaging title track is a racer in bop and more modern tongues. "If You Could See Me Know" is a killer ballad played with consummate heart. The CD celebrates a deep artist deserving wider recognition.