Nathan Davis with Georges Arfvanitas Trio Live in Paris: The ORTF Recordings 1966-67 180g 3LP

Michael Fremer Rated 9/10 Music, 9/10 Sonics!

Style is not a given. Not many musicians reach the level of artistic personality where you can unmistakably recognize them. It takes character, roots, honesty, soulfulness. Nathan Davis had style.

His tone on tenor was unique. So was his soprano sound and his distinctive approach to flute. His musical world was equally original and knew no boundaries.

This concert in Paris is audible proof that as a performer, his fluid phrasing, distinct articulation, booming bottom register, growls and shrieks were fuelled by tremendous drive and furious invention - the man was on fire!

These live sessions demonstrate the limitless invention of Nathan's solos. Holding no punches, weaving signature phrases, shouts and riffs into his solos, he was a fierce and fervid performer. With a sort of hollow resonance at the heart of his reedy and warm sound, Nathan Davis was a highly original artist, from an era when having a distinct sound on your instrument was the grail of jazz artistry. Harold Land, Jimmy Heath, John Gilmore, Paul Gonsalves, Charlie Rouse, George Coleman, Booker Ervin, Clifford Jordan... Jazz is made of such giants and Nathan Davis was one of them.

- Jean Szlamowicz

Note: A slight distortion may appear on two tracks on LP 2. This defect is impossible to erase without distorting the entire recording.

I doubt I'm the only jazz lover who, while listening to inspired live recordings, imagines being in the venue on the night of the performance, and if that happens to you too, well, Live in Paris can take you there.