Kris Davis Quartet - The Bagatelles Vol. 5 (2026)
I get what this is doing, and I respect the level of craft, but it mostly stays on the cerebral side for me. The writing is sharp, the players are obviously elite, and the execution is never sloppy — yet as a listening experience it feels more designed than compelling. The short-form bagatelles keep things agile, but they also prevent anything from fully landing. I’m engaged in the moment, then quickly reset for the next idea, which limits both immersion and emotional payoff. It’s smart, controlled, and undeniably modern — just not something I feel pulled back to very often.
Pros
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High-level musicianship – Everyone here plays with authority and intent; no wasted gestures.
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Clear compositional framing – Zorn’s miniatures give the quartet strong boundaries to push against.
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Textural variety – Piano, guitar, and rhythm section interplay keeps the surface constantly shifting.
Cons
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Fragmented impact – The constant resets stop momentum from building.
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Low emotional gravity – Intellectually engaging, but rarely lands with weight or consequence.
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Limited replay pull – Once the language is absorbed, there’s not much that demands return visits.
Genre: Avant-Garde Jazz
Country: US
Final Verdict: 59% (Forgettable Album)
Yearly Ranking: 91th / 106
Highlight: Bagatelle #86
Made me think of:
Mary Halvorson
Dave Douglas
Vijay Iyer
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