David Davis profile picture

David Davis

Failure is when you don't get up when you fall.

About Me

David Davis is one of the most promising, young, talented and gifted musicians today. David was born and raised in Connecticut. He is a Hartt School of Music graduate with a degree in Jazz studies and Music Management. For five years he studied with and is a protege of the world renowned, professor and jazz saxophonist, Jackie Mclean. Before launching his career as the front man of the incredible, contemporary jazz band from Hartford ("Just Us"), he has performed and recorded with the hottest contemporary gospel band in the Tri-state area ("A Better Way").David has performed at venue's along with Mary J. Blige, Deborah Cox, LL Cool J, Brian Mcknight, Keith Washington, Sean Puffy Combs, Kid Capri, Biz Markie, John P. Kee, Karen Clarke, Marion Meadows, Roy Ayers, Donald Harrison, Dave Valentine, Onaje Allen Gumbs, Sherry Winston, Chuck Loeb, Cherryl Hayes and Gloria Lynn to name a few.David has traveled and performed in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China at some of the most prestigious venues and hotels. David's contemporary and straight-ahead collections have established the Connecticut-based musician as one of the most prominent artists. His self-produced music features him on keyboards, Drums and Percussions, EWI (Electric Wind Instrument), drum programming, and background vocals. David has definitely earned the reputation as the “musician's musician.” He recorded his debut Album in 1998 as a Christmas recording, "The Reason For The Season". His sophomore recording is called, "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love", which has received rave reviews. His CD’s can be listened to and purchased on his website at www.davidavis.com and also at CDbaby.com Another recent recording is a Christmas project that he produced with Hartford’s vocalist, “Charmagne” called, “This Christmas”. Shortly after that David completed another recording which is called “Reparations”. This projects displays David’s producing talents. It’s a compilation of various artists from Connecticut ranging from R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz and Spoken Word. The concept can be compared to Quincy Jones' “Back On The Block” recording. Whether he is playing contemporary or straight-ahead jazz, David stands in a class all by himself. He is known for his swiftness on stage, his unique round sound which is percussive yet soulful and his contagious smile. He has the ability to surprise the audience with something out of the ordinary. David gives his audience what they come for - a great show! David has his own production and publishing company and is partner of a recording studio by the name of “Cream de Cocoa Productions” in Middletown, CT. David produces and writes music for Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, Jazz, and Dance artists. With 5 CD's under his belt and many collaboration CD’s, David has definitely gained his place in the music world as a player, songwriter and producer. He truly believes that there is nothing he desires that he cannot achieve.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 12/7/2005
Band Website: davidavis.com
Influences: It's difficult to narrow down my influences because i am influenced musically by so much. Im mostly influenced by "Life" in general. But some of the artists that I are a part of me and how I express myself musically are Kenny Garrett, Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Miles Davis, Jackie Mclean, David Sanborn, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Marcus Miller, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Chick Corea, Walter Hawkins and Family, Commissioned, Winans, My mom (1st musical influence), Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Joe Sample, Bud Powell, Prince, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway and Phil Woods to name just a few. This is in no particular order. Everyone plays a big part of what I hear and play. To tell you the truth, anything that I listen to (not just hear) influences me musically. Anything that peaks any of my 5 senses influences me. Man I can get too deep thinking about this. :o) I'll just leave it at that.
Sounds Like: Most people tell me that I sound like David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Cannonball Adderley and Kenny Garrett (the real "Kenny G"). I think that I sound a lot like whoever Im sheddin' at the time. If Im listening and practicing to Jackie Mclean that month, Im gonna express myself at the time with his influences. So I kind of morph my sound into so many of them.
Record Label: Cream de Cocoa Productions
Type of Label: Indie