Spin Cycle: Check Out Spirited New Sounds From Brittany Davis, Pasquale Grasso, and Mary Halvorson

Brittany Davis may not be someone that you’re familiar with, but I believe that could change soon. Black Thunder is heavy with the spirit of the ancestors (namely Nina Simone) in a way that is compelling and refreshing. Supported by bassist Evan Floury Barnes, and drummer D’Vonne Lewis, Davis’ tunes find the strike zone just between spontaneous jam gems and thoughtfully constructed mantras.

Brittany Davis’ Black Thunder is guided by the ancestors to deliver a right-now message.

Like Nina, Davis is able to quickly locate the right way to accompany herself on piano to unleash a moody, memorable, and percussive attack. Most importantly, Davis is attentive to the moment and, with all the tension going on in our world and country, Black Thunder appears to be an album crafted specifically for these times. 

(Brittany Davis’s Black Thunder is available June 13 on Loosegroove Records.)

Pasquale Grasso might be the best bop guitarist of this generation. His independence, clarity, and dexterity reveals an almost pianistic approach to the guitar. As he has been embraced by the guitar community on the east coast and in Europe, I’m surprised that he hasn’t caught on more quickly nationwide. Maybe it’s just a matter of time? The repertoire on Solo Be-Bop is what we’ve come to expect from Pasquale, but every time I hear him, I’m impressed by his swing and savvy at negotiating the harmonies of some of the brightest masters of our music. Within the sacredness of our tradition, he has developed a spirit and a sound that penetrates beyond the notes.

(Pasquale Grasso’s Solo Be-Bop is available June 13 on Sony Masterworks.)

I think I’ve found my favorite Mary Halvorson album. About Ghosts is a keeper. There’s a warmth and welcome that weaves between the edginess for the majority of the album. Halvorson’s magic is at work on the compelling title track where the harmony expressed by the horns is supported with minimal sound design by her guitar. Sparks fly on the album’s final two tunes, “Polyhedral” and “Endmost.” The latter tune is the perfect canvas to showcase saxophonist Brian Settles and vibraphonist Patricia Brennan with a warped-out ending that sets up some prime commentary by drummer Tomas Fujiwara. 

(Mary Halvorson’s About Ghosts is available June 13 on Nonesuch Records.)