Kris Davis

Kris Davis has emerged as one of the most innovative and singular pianists on New York's creative jazz scene of the 21st century. Davis is highly disciplined and often applies rigorous standards and approaches to her music from angles that are truly unique. This was clear from her acclaimed 2004 debut, Lifespan. Influenced by modern classical and jazz masters alike, she draws liberally from György Ligeti, Luciano Berio, and Morton Feldman, as well as Thelonious Monk, Cecil Taylor, Herbie Hancock, and Keith Jarrett, as evidenced by her 2011 solo offering Aeriol Piano. Davis has also been known to explore areas where contemporary post-minimalism and creative jazz intersect, evoking minimalist pioneer Steve Reich, as on Octopus, her 2018 duo recording with Craig Taborn. More collaborative projects arrived with 2020's Blood Moon with Ingrid Laubrock, and 2022's In Common III with Matthew Stevens and Walter Smith III.