Suraya Mohamed | November 11, 2025

Pianist and composer Kris Davis makes music that is modal and rhythmic; it's avant-garde, but inviting. At the Tiny Desk, her trio turns her layered compositions into a mosaic of emotional expression.

The trio starts this riveting set with a short version of "Diatom Ribbons," a composition featuring prepared piano that Davis wrote for the free jazz pioneer Cecil Taylor. Without a break, they transition right into a bright and tireless "Where Does That Tunnel Go" from 2010's Good Citizen. Its opening theme moves into a boundless duo between bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jonathan Blake. Each interprets the melodic line with an exploratory sensibility that is energetic and thought provoking.

After performing its latest single, "Lost in Geneva," the set ends in a whirlwind with the title track from 2024's Run the Gauntlet. The tune charges forward with a funky groove, opening up the improvisation to several virtuosic solos to create an expansive sound adventure. These extraordinary musicians amp up the volume before settling back down to the song's memorable motif.

SET LIST

"Diatom Ribbons"

"Where Does That Tunnel Go"

"Lost in Geneva"

"Run the Gauntlet"

MUSICIANS

Kris Davis: piano

Robert Hurst: bass

Johnathan Blake: drums

TINY DESK TEAM

Producer: Suraya Mohamed

Director/Editor: Maia Stern

Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault

Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter

Videographers: Maia Stern, Kara Frame

Audio Engineer: Jay Czys

Production Assistants: Dora Levite, Dhanika Pineda

Tiny Desk Team: Joshua Bryant, Josh Newell

Series Editor: Lars Gotrich

Executive Director: Sonali Mehta

Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton

#nprmusic #tinydesk @krisdavistrio