Well bassed

I've written admiringly about bassist Richard Davis playing on other people's dates, a couple times actually, and also about pianist John Hicks, which made picking up "The Bassist: Homage to Diversity," Palmetto, an easy choice. It's a Davis date ostensibly, but his only accompanist is Hicks, so call it a collaboration, and a perfect pairing.

Diversity is just what the disk includes musically. They play everything from classical (Vivaldi's "Estate/Summer" and Eccles' "Sonata in G Minor," beautifully rendered) to classic blues, "C.C. Rider," and spirituals "Go Down Moses," the latter with ominous, borderline avant-garde bass work. Frank Foster's "Simone" is as powerful as if a large group were playing it and Charlie Parker's "Little Benny" appropriately boppy. Davis on the bow would star in any symphony orchestra. This is a nice CD to appreciate his considerable skill and Hicks' as well.