Mondays With Morgan: Kris Davis
Mondays With Morgan is a popular column in LondonJazz News by music journalist Morgan Enos. This week, Enos interviewed pianist and composer Kris Davis about her latest album release, Diatom Ribbons Live at the Village Vanguard, which features her ensemble, Diatom Ribbons. The album can be purchased here.
Diatom Ribbons: A Transparent Ensemble
Diatom Ribbons is an innovative ensemble that is not only influenced by 20th-century luminaries like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Sun Ra, but also incorporates their recorded remarks into their performances. Turntablist Val Jeanty seamlessly interweaves these quotes, creating a unique and captivating musical experience.
The Bird Suite and Modular Performances
In their birdcall-inspired “Bird Suite”, Diatom Ribbons showcase their modular approach to music. For example, “Parasitic Hunter”, the third part of the suite, incorporates soundbites of Stockhausen discussing “intuitive music” from a 1972 lecture. The ensemble often plays with the structure of their pieces, allowing for improvisation and a fluid, evolving musical experience.
Overcoming Challenges at the Village Vanguard
Recording two nights at the historic Village Vanguard proved to be a laborious task for the ensemble due to the pandemic. Despite the hurdles, the group successfully recorded various original pieces and interpretations, creating a captivating and inspiring live album.
An Interview with Kris Davis
In a candid interview, Kris Davis discussed the development of Diatom Ribbons, her approach to prepared piano, and the importance of continuing the fight for gender equity in jazz.
The Evolution of Diatom Ribbons
Davis explained that the initial Diatom Ribbons album was more of a project-based recording, while the live album allowed the group to develop their sound and explore different interpretations of the music.
Prepared Piano and Electronic Synthesis
When asked about her approach to prepared piano and electronic music, Davis stated that she views prepared piano as another layer to tap into, allowing her to create different textures and enhance the overall sound of the ensemble.
The Road Ahead and Addressing Gender Justice in Jazz
On the topic of gender justice in jazz, Davis expressed the importance of continuing to raise awareness and work towards equality. She highlighted that this is not just a moment, but an ongoing movement that requires collective effort. As for her future projects, Davis plans to perform at the Monterey festival and record a piano trio album with Johnathan Blake and Robert Hurst.
