The Kris Davis Trio's latest album, "Lost in Geneva," released on September 25, 2026, on 4166 Records, redefines the piano trio format, drawing comparisons to the revolutionary Bill Evans Trio of the late 1950s. The album features Kris Davis on piano, Robert Hurst on bass, and Johnathan Blake on drums. Rather than a hierarchical structure, the trio operates as a genuinely conversational ensemble where all three musicians contribute equally to shaping the music, a principle that distinguishes them from traditional piano trios.
The album is praised for its intricate compositions and the musicians' extraordinary capacity to listen, react, and alter the direction of the music in real-time. Tracks range from the abstract "Subtext" and the impressionistic title track "Lost in Geneva" to "Congested Pricing," a percussive piece with a driving rhythm, and the chamber-music feel of "The Ballerina." The album also includes "Clues," composed by Blake, and "The Bluesy Bird in Bob's Backyard," by Hurst, showcasing the collective's diverse compositional contributions. Davis also incorporates prepared-piano effects on "Northern Flicker" and offers an arrangement of Morton Feldman’s "Nature Piece 5."
Critics highlight the album's depth, suggesting it requires multiple listens to fully appreciate its nuances. What initially seems complex gradually reveals an extraordinary internal clarity, with subtle details in the interplay between Hurst and Blake becoming more apparent over time. This approach allows the music to be tightly structured yet open to exploration and improvisation, achieving a balance between compositional integrity and spontaneous interaction. The album is described as a lasting jazz record that rewards attention, inviting listeners to return to it repeatedly to uncover new layers of meaning and enjoyment.
