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BIOGRAPHY
From playing sold-out venues, private and corporate events in his hometown Milwaukee, to international concert dates abroad, Gary Davis, leader of the Gary Davis Band and Gary Davis jazz quartet, has received the long awaited and well deserved recognition on the national entertainment scene as an award winning contemporary jazz, R&B and traditional jazz, saxophone artist.
Gary started as a drummer at age nine and picked up the sax at age 16. He began developing his musical chops while attending the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music where he studied jazz under Berkeley Fudge and later additional training from Houston, Texas music professor, Conrad Johnson. He expanded his listening and studying to many jazz and R&B sax masters including Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Wilton Felder, Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Turrentine, and King Curtis.
Although new to the smooth jazz ranks, Davis has more than 30 years of versatile musical experience behind him and a line of influences including related blues singer and guitarist Freddie King. Davis has formed a sound and style that he describes as contemporary jazz, with a soulful groove, on a traditional jazz foundation.
Davis’ 2002 release “Don’t Wait For Spring Remix” was self-produced and launched four songs into radio rotation. The CD has been well reviewed, has received both national and international sales and airplay with offers to sign on two jazz record labels.
In late 2005, on his own label, he released his second self produced CD again with the Gary Davis Band entitled “Playing My Dues.” That CD has been extremely well reviewed and quoted in 2006 as having a top ten and most favorite track of the year potential. The launching of this CD has opened more doors of recognition for him appearing in R&R magazine, Jazziz magazine, BET J, along with an internationally broadcast cable special “Tribute to Lou Rawls” and more.
With the backing and support of his jazz trio or five piece band and vocalist, he continue to be booked at select hometown venues, private and corporate events, regional and international jazz festivals. He has performed before sell-out crowds to audience and reviewer acclaim. He has played and collaborated with many well known artists in the music business such as: The Jazz Crusaders, Herbie Mann, Jeff Lorber, Ronnie Laws, Chris Botti, George Duke, Norman Brown and others.
“Gary Davis appeals to a diverse crowd and always
reflects the highest form of professionalism
on stage and in personal character”
Cedar Creek Winery & Settlement
Booking and Schedule Information
| Side photo of Gary and Wilton Felder |
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