Xavier Davis

Xavier Davis (born 1971 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, producer, and music educator who leads the Xavier Davis Trio. In addition to performing with the Christian McBride Big Band and other groups as a side man. In 2014 he was appointed Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at Michigan State University.[1] He previously taught at the Juilliard Jazz program at the Juilliard School for six years.[2] He performed on two Grammy-winning albums The Good Feeling, and Bringin' It with the Christian McBride Big Band. Davis was the Musical Director for the Boys Choir of Harlem for the 1999-2000 season. He appeared on the television series Cosby as a pianist.[2]

Biography

Davis came from a family of music educators, so he had an early start in music, studying piano at age 4, trombone at 8, and touring Europe before High School. He attended Interlochen Arts Academy for high school.

While performing with his college ensemble at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston, legendary vocalist Betty Carter caught his performance and brought him to New York to work exclusively with her group, the Betty Carter Trio. Davis recognizes former Juilliard Jazz faculty chair and drummer Carl Allen, James Williams, and Billy Hart as mentors.[2]

Davis plays with The New Jazz Composers Octet,[3] the Christian McBride Big Band, and the Ron Blake Quartet.

As a composer or arranger, Davis has worked for Carl Allen, Regina Carter, and Hans Schuman. Xavier has produced albums, film and commercial music including for Wise Children by Tom Harrell (Bluebird, 2004) and Easy to Love by Lizzie Thomas (CD Baby, 2013).

Davis became the first person to twice receive a New Works Grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation as part of Chamber Music America.

Discography

As leader

Year recorded Title Label Notes
1999? Dance of Life Quartet, with Don Braden (tenor sax), Dwayne Burno (bass), Carl Allen (drums)[4]
2001 Innocence of Youth Fresh Sound New Talent Trio, with Brandon Owens (bass), E. J. Strickland (drums)[5][6]

As sideman

Davis has recorded as a sideman for:

References

  1. ↑ "Renowned jazz pianist joins ranks at MSU". The State News. Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  2. 1 2 3 "Xavier Davis | MSU Music Faculty | MSU College of Music". music.msu.edu. Retrieved 2015-11-02.
  3. ↑ Camphire, Greg (2008-12-21). "CD/LP Review: The Turning Gate". All About Jazz. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
  4. ↑ JazzTimes Review
  5. ↑ JazzTimes Review
  6. ↑ West, Paul (2002-08-08). "CD/LP Review: Innocence of Youth". All About Jazz. Retrieved 2010-07-18.


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