Description
Like the ever-changing seascapes of award-winning saxophonist/composer Josephine Davies' Shetland birthplace, the music of her Satori project presents a constantly evolving tableau, at once consistent and different every time. The music on 'Weatherwards', pays direct tribute to the islands that she left at an early age but that continue to exert a powerful fascination for her, drawing her back, just as the Satori project has continued to draw her back over the course of seven years and four albums - "Satori is where I find myself most at home as a saxophonist."
All the compositions were inspired by aspects of Shetland and her personal history there, and in order to realise them fully she has introduced a new element to the band. For half of 'Weatherwards', longtime bassist Dave Whitford and drummer James Maddren are joined by pianist Alcyona Mick, dramatically expanding the textural and harmonic palette.
Yet the essential qualities of Satori remain unchanged: Josephine's unique compositions are the launch pads for free-flowing, limitless improvisations in which all the players become equal partners in exploration. The music of 'Weatherwards' is by turns expansive and daring and hushed and intimate, all expedited by the empathetic communion between the players, with their individual virtuosity united by the strength of Josephine's musical vision.
'Weatherwards' is a deep and compelling statement from a world-class project that deserves total immersion from the listener.
Josephine Davies: tenor and soprano saxophone
James Maddren: drums
Dave Whitford: double bass
Alcyona Mick: piano
