Jesse Davis - Second Nature (2000)

A very talented hard bop altoist whose style is influenced by Cannonball Adderley, Jesse Davis is heard in top form for his seventh Concord CD as a leader. Joined by pianist Massimo Farao, bassist Aldo Zunino, and drummer Massimo "Max" Dall'omo, Davis performs fresh versions of two veteran standards ("On the Sunny Side of the Street" and "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face"), a pair of songs by Farao, and five of his own originals. The music is advanced hard bop, with Davis' appealing tone being one of several reasons to acquire this fine straight-ahead jazz set.