Album Notes

Top 10 2004!
- Jack Chambers, CODA Magazine
- Fresh Air, CBC Radio
- Claudette Gravel, Radio-Canada

"Razor sharp swing merchants."
Steve Baylin - Ottawa Express

"A virtuoso."
Geoff Chapman - The Toronto Star

Influenced by the great trios of Oscar Peterson and Andre Previn, the Ron Davis Trio performs original songs and out of the way standards with a fresh energy that sets their sound apart.

There are also pop influences, which show up on the Trio's critically acclaimed recording 'So Much' (2003- Rosemary Lane / Cullinor) with vocalist Lori Cullen. "So Much' was nominated for Jazz Album of the Year in the Canadian Music Week Independent Awards. The Trio has also performed with Canada's top jazz singers- Sara Latendresse, Jennifer Ryan, Melissa Stylianou and Adi Braun.

The Trio is based in Toronto, but has performed at clubs and festivals across Canada, and Japan (January / February 2004.)

RON DAVIS (www.rddavis.com) is influenced by the Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson and Theloneous Monk. His music is rooted in swing and post-bop jazz.

In 1977 the Toronto Star wrote: "Ron Davis...demonstrated a thoroughly professional technique and the enthusiasm of a young Oscar Peterson." And the next year the Toronto Star had this to say: "Young Ron Davis captivated a group of fans with Tatum-Waller assaults on material ranging from Beethoven and Rule Brittania to Paramount On Parade... "

Ron began his career in the 1970's. He studied with the late Darwyn Aitken a student of classical great David Saperton and jazz legend Oscar Peterson. Ron also studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Ron has had other lives. He became a lawyer in 1984 and practised until 2002. In 1993 he got his PhD in French linguistics at the University of Toronto where he was Assistant Professor for several years.

DREW BIRSTON is a one of a kind bass player, with a rare gift for groove, swing, lines and melody. He is much in demand. Outside of jazz, Drew has toured with pop superstars Melanie Doane and Chantal Kreviazuk.

TED WARREN is quite simply one of the most original jazz drummers anywhere. His astonishing musicality makes him a favourite with players and audiences.

Special guest (4 tracks) alto saxophonist RICHARD UNDERHILL won the 2003 Juno (Canada's top award) for his cd 'tales from the blue lounge'. Richard was part of the popular band The Shuffle Demons for many years. He is now busy as leader of the Blue Rodeo horn section, and as a sideman.