Richard Davis was a superb and prolific jazz bassist and possessed a rich, woody tone and excellent technique whether playing jazz, pop, or classical music. He served in world-class symphony orchestras, backed vocalists, and engaged in stunning duets. He appeared on three of the most iconic recordings of the 20th century: Eric Dolphy's Out to Lunch!, Andrew Hill's Point of Departure, and Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. His Impulse leader debut, Heavy Sounds, appeared in 1967. During the '70s, session and live work were plentiful to the point of demanding, but Davis managed to rel...