Based in New York City since January 2010, Angela Davis was born in Toowoomba, Queensland.
She started playing the saxophone at age nine, performed in her high school’s jazz band and toured Australia with The Jazz Ed Big Band. A 2014 recipient of the prestigious Brian Boak Bursary, Angela recently released her second album, 'Lady Luck'.
Ahead of her performance at next month's Brisbane International Jazz Festival, Angela tells us about her favourite alto saxophonists.
1. Lee Konitz
Hopefully you've already checked out or have heard of my first choice, the great Lee Konitz. Lee's been on the scene for over 70 years now and still continues to blow me away every time I see him play. He arguably became famous through his playing with Miles Davis (birth of the cool), and Lennie Tristano, however my favourite albums are the ones under his own name. I recommend checking out 'Motion' and 'Alone Together'; after that there will be no turning back! Here Lee is playing 'Joana's Waltz' with Frank Wunch:2. Dick Oatts
Oatts has inspired a whole generation of saxophonists in NY with his approach to improvisation. He can play all over the horn like no one else, and his melodic sense is magnificent! He's held the lead alto chair with the Vanguard Orchestra for over 30 years now. If you're ever in NYC on a Monday night, go to The Vanguard. There's no one like Oatts! Here's a really young Dick Oatts playing with the Vanguard Orchestra:3. Steve Wilson
I first heard Steve play with the Maria Schneider Orchestra when I moved to NY back in 2009. Steve has it all – he's an amazing ensemble player, and a really spontaneous and energetic improviser. He's just released a great new CD under his own name called 'Wilsonian's Grain'. This video features Steve playing with the great Lewis Nash:4. Miguel Zenon
Miguel is a multiple, Grammy Award winner and a recent McArthur fellow. Originally from Puerto Rico, his compositions are a mix of Latin American folkloric music and jazz. In my opinion, he's always pushing the boundaries and is a unique composer and saxophonist. Every time I see him play I leave feeling very inspired. He runs a big band and just released a new CD with them called 'Identities Are Changeable. Miguel explaining polyrhythms:5. Alex LoRe
Alex is a great friend of mine and is an inspiring young player on the NY scene who you can often hear at Smalls Jazz Club with his own quartet or with the Lucas Pino Nonet. He's already playing with a completely unique sound and concept, which is pretty impressive for someone of his age. You can hear how he pushes the envelope harmonically on his album, 'Dream House'. Alex with the Lucas Pino Nonet:
Angela Davis and Steve Newcomb with special guest Kristin Berardi plays the Queensland Multicultural Centre as part of the BIJF 6 June. She also plays The Paris Cat Jazz Club (Melbourne) 6 August.
