Beveled features the unusual instrumentation of two flugelhorns, two bass clarinets, and drums and bass, a combination that Davis’ explores to great and varied effect throughout Arc and Edge. “The name ‘Beveled’ is meant to evoke a soundscape that uses softer edges, unexpected angles, and a generally gentler and a warmer side of modern creative music,” says Davis. The band got its start at the Green Mill’s Sunday Chicago Jazz Composers Collective series in 2013, released their first (self-titled) album in 2014, and played the Chicago Jazz Festival in 2015. A hiatus of several years followed as drummer Juan Pastor and bass clarinetist Michael Salter relocated overseas for extended periods. With their return, Davis reformed the ensemble and composed a new body of work, recording the EP Remain Calm literally the night before the COVID-19 lockdown hit Chicago in March 2020. Another hiatus unavoidably followed. With Arc and Edge, Davis and company return en force with crystalline performances of eleven sublime new Davis originals.

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