Album Spotlight: Kris Davis’s ‘Capricorn Climber’ – A Modern Jazz Masterpiece

 

Album Spotlight: Kris Davis’s ‘Capricorn Climber’ – A Modern Jazz Masterpiece

When Canadian jazz pianist Kris Davis recorded Capricorn Climber back in 2012, she wasn’t just making another record. Released under the renowned Portuguese label Clean Feed, this album remains a brilliant example of what happens when avant-garde jazz meets the meticulous structure of modern classical music.

If you are looking for an album that pushes boundaries while keeping a sharp, intentional focus, this is one you need to queue up.

🌟 What the Critics Are Saying

Capricorn Climber was met with critical acclaim upon its release, earning impressive 4-star ratings from top jazz authorities. Critics loved its unique balance of freedom and structure:

• AllMusic (Dave Lynch): Praised the album's cohesive sonic puzzle, noting that the music blends "improvisational looseness" with the "clear-cut intention of chamberesque modern composition."
• Down Beat (Shaun Brady): Described the group's unique chemistry as a "chamber ensemble in a state of decay," where grace, elegance, and tension beautiful coexist.
• JazzTimes (Lloyd Sachs): Highlighted the album's dynamic range, moving effortlessly between "wide tonal brush strokes," "brisk melodies," and "knotty inventions."

👥 The Powerhouse Quintet

The magic of this album lies in its stellar lineup. Kris Davis brought together some of the finest voices in avant-garde and creative jazz to form this unique quintet:

• Kris Davis – Piano
• Mat Maneri – Viola
• Ingrid Laubrock – Saxophone
• Trevor Dunn – Double Bass
• Tom Rainey – Drums, Glockenspiel

💿 Track Listing

Except for the collaboratively improvised eighth track, all pieces on the album were composed by Kris Davis herself:

1. Too Tinkerbell (5:30)
2. Pass the Magic Hat (9:50)
3. Trevor's Luffa Complex (5:34)
4. Capricorn Climber (11:33) – The epic title track!
5. Bottom of a Well (7:05)
6. Big Band Ball (4:58)
7. Pi Is Irrational (7:55)
8. Dreamers in a Daze (4:38) (Davis, Maneri, Laubrock, Dunn, Rainey)
9. Too Tinkerbell Coda (3:14)

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