Workers’ Comp by Jamale Davis: A Jazz Bop Ride You Won’t Forget
Let’s cut to the chase—Workers’ Comp is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2018 under Gut String Records, this U.S.-born jazz bop masterpiece feels like slipping into a smoky club where everyone knows your name but doesn’t make a big deal about it. Led by bassist Jamale Davis, the album boasts an all-star lineup including Pasquale Grasso on guitar, Charles Goold behind the drums, and Stefano Doglioni blowing magic through his bass clarinet. It’s tight, vibey, and real—like someone handed these musicians espresso shots before hitting record.
The standout tracks? Oh man, let me tell ya. First off, there’s "Throw Down Gun." This tune grabs you by the collar from the first note. The rhythm section grooves so hard it feels like they’re daring each other to go faster, louder, wilder. And then Pasquale Grasso steps in with his guitar solo—it’s sharp, clean, and kinda cocky in the best way possible. You can almost picture him leaning back, fingers flying over the fretboard like he owns the damn thing. When I hear this track, I think of late-night drives with no destination, just pure energy coursing through my veins.
Then there’s "Steeplesnakes!" (yeah, what a title, right?). If Throw Down Gun is the adrenaline rush, this one’s the after-hours chill session. Ned Goold’s tenor saxophone takes center stage here, weaving melodies that feel both playful and haunting. There’s something raw about how he plays—it’s not perfect-perfect, but who cares? That imperfection makes it human, relatable even. Plus, Jamale Davis lays down some seriously smooth basslines underneath everything, holding the chaos together like glue. By the time the song ends, you realize you’ve been holding your breath for minutes.
What sticks with me most isn’t just the music itself—it’s the vibe. Listening to Workers’ Comp feels like eavesdropping on a conversation between old friends who finish each other’s sentences. Neal Miner’s production keeps things intimate without over-polishing; it’s warm, gritty, and alive. Even Jamale Davis’s liner notes add a personal touch, making you feel like you’re part of the crew rather than just another listener.
So yeah, if you’re into jazz bop that swings hard but still has heart, check out Workers’ Comp. Honestly, though, I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. Maybe it’s because I’m not usually a “jazz person,” whatever that means. But here we are. Funny how music can surprise you like that, huh? Like finding twenty bucks in your jeans or remembering why you fell in love with someone long gone.
