Xavier Davis
Template:Short description 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
While performing with his college ensemble at the 1994 International Association of Jazz Educators convention in Boston, vocalist Betty Carter caught his performance and took him to New York to work with her trio.[2] Davis recognizes former Juilliard Jazz faculty chair and drummer Carl Allen, James Williams, and Billy Hart as mentors.[2]
Discography
As leader
| Year recorded | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999? | Dance of Life | Quartet, with Don Braden (tenor sax), Dwayne Burno (bass), Carl Allen (drums)[3] | |
| 2001 | Innocence of Youth | Fresh Sound New Talent | Trio, with Brandon Owens (bass), E. J. Strickland (drums)[4][5] |
As sideman
Davis has recorded as a sideman for:
- Betty Carter
- Freddie Hubbard
- Tom Harrell
- Christian McBride
- Regina Carter
- Stefon Harris
- Abbey Lincoln
- Wynton Marsalis
- Don Byron
- Nat Adderley
- Nicholas Payton
- Jon Faddis
- Jimmy Greene
- Steve Turre, Keep Searchin' (HighNote, 2006)
- Al Foster
- Jeremy Pelt
- Dion Parson
- Ron Blake