For all its freshness and innovation, Davis’ music is precisely and unmistakably the sound of today.” – Mike West, DownBeat

Kris Davis is currently one of the most innovative and influential voices in the jazz world. The music of the Grammy Award winner (2020), who has received numerous accolades, is regarded as groundbreaking by critics and fellow musicians alike. To date, the Canadian virtuoso has showcased her talents as a pianist, composer, and bandleader on over 20 recordings. On this evening, Davis will present her new album with her trio.
The title, ‘Run the Gauntlet,’ serves as a metaphor for overcoming a series of challenges to achieve one's goals. In this project, Davis pays homage to six trailblazing women pianists who have left an indelible mark on her journey as a pianist and composer: Geri Allen, Carla Bley, Renee Rosnes, Angelica Sanchez, Marilyn Crispell, and Sylvie Courvoisier. By dedicating the album to these extraordinary women, Davis honors their resilience and groundbreaking contributions as leaders in the jazz community.

Robert Hurst is an American bassist, best known for his work with trumpet legend Wynton Marsalis, with whom he was a long-time member of the band. He has also collaborated with many other prominent figures in the post-bop era, including Kenny Kirkland, Branford Marsalis, Mulgrew Miller, and Tony Williams. More recently, he has worked with pioneering artists such as Robert Glasper. In addition to his work as a live and studio bassist, Hurst also teaches at the University of Michigan.

Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz on a given night.” Davis has released 25 recordings as a leader or co-leader and collaborated with artists such as Dave Holland, Terri Lyne Carrington, John Zorn, Craig Taborn, Ingrid Laubrock, Julian Lage, Tyshawn Sorey and Esperanza Spalding. She was named a 2021 Doris Duke Artist alongside Wayne Shorter and Danilo Perez, Pianist of the Year by DownBeat magazine in 2022 and 2020, and Pianist and Composer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2021. Davis is the Associate Program Director of Creative Development at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and the founder of Pyroclastic Records. Davis is a Steinway Artist.

Johnathan Blake is an American jazz drummer and composer. He has collaborated with many jazz greats, including Tom Harrell, Kenny Barron, David Sánchez, Don Byron, Oliver Lake, Randy Brecker, and many others. Blake is also known for his work as a member of the Omer Avital Quintet and the Ravi Coltrane Quartet. In his own projects, Blake has brought together a number of high profile musicians including Chris Potter, Mark Turner, Avishai Cohen, and Ben Street. His playing is characterized by energy and creativity, and he is highly regarded by critics and audiences alike.