Gleaming World Unit

Alexander Hawkins / piano
Michael Formanek / bass
Angelika Niescier / alto sax
Tom Challenger / tenor sax

Belfast-based drummer and improvisor Stephen Davis is one of the most sought-after musicians and collaborators working today. He is a member of Anthony Braxton’s ‘The New Standard’ and the Alexander Hawkins Trio, and has worked with Marc Ribot, Evan Parker, Kris Davis, Paul Dunmall, Django Bates, and Van Morrison to name but a few. Davis made his name in the improvising trio Bourne, Davis, Kane, whose debut album Lost Something (Edition Records, 2008) prompted The Guardian's John Fordham to acknowledge the trio's "world class status."

His new project arrived in the form of ‘Gleaming World Unit’, marking a new chapter for Davis, and a first international label release (577 Records, New York City). With a title drawing on sentiments from a letter written by Seamus Heaney, he was inspired by time spent in the Wicklow mountains, being submerged in forests for often hours at a time.

Being surrounded by offerings of the compositional power of the landscape led to a brand-new approach to tune-writing, where improvisation and composition are purposefully blurred, inviting the listener to make their own assessment. Ghosts, forests, old photographs and conversations with elders all fed into a novel sound blending elements of free jazz, punk, contemporary classical, electronics, and art-music.

“this is a vital, frequently thrilling calling card from an explosive quintet, whose leader serves compelling notice of his credentials as a composer and bandleader of some distinction.” – All About Jazz