Kris Davis Honors Her Influences with 'Run the Gauntlet'

Run the Gauntlet pays tribute to six remarkable women pianists who have influenced Davis' musical journey: Geri Allen, Carla Bley, Marilyn Crispell, Angelica Sanchez, Sylvie Courvoisier, and Renee Rosnes. Davis describes these artists as "beacons of possibility" who demonstrated that a career in music was attainable for women, immigrants, parents, and fans of avant-garde music.

The album showcases Davis' craft, reflecting how the voices of these six pioneers have shaped her own singular vision. Each honoree has influenced Davis in unique ways, from artistic approach to navigating the challenges of balancing family and career.

Davis' compositions on the album reflect various aspects of her life and experiences. The three-part composition "First Steps," "Little Footsteps," and "Heavy-Footed" charts the growth of her son, now almost 11 years old. Other tracks like "Knotweed" and "Coda Queen" draw inspiration from personal experiences and musical traits.

The title track, Run the Gauntlet, serves a dual purpose. It challenges Blake's drumming skills through a series of vamps while symbolizing the obstacles faced by the album's dedicatees. The album also features a captivating free improvisation in "Subtones" and a gorgeous composition by Blake titled "Beauty Beneath the Rubble."

Davis' decision to dedicate the album to these six women stems partly from her work with Terri Lyne Carrington at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. This experience has highlighted the importance of women mentoring other young musicians and providing strong female role models in the industry.

Kris Davis: defining jazz’s vanguard - Transcript

The innovative jazz pianist talks about her label, Pyroclastic Records, gender justice for composers, her connections to New York’s improvisors scene, and recording an album at the Village Vanguard.

Bonus Tracks from Spotlight OnLawrence Peryer

Fans can catch Davis performing the new material on her album release tour, which kicks off on October 5, 2024, in Ann Arbor and concludes on October 12 in Los Angeles. Additional performances are scheduled for early 2025, including a week-long residency at the Village Vanguard in New York City and two European tours.

Run the Gauntlet not only showcases Davis' growth as a player and composer but also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of pioneering women in jazz. It's a celebration of mentorship, perseverance, and the continuous evolution of the art form.