Professional Bio:

Quincy Davis was born in 1977 in Grand Rapids, MI, into a musical family. Davis began his formal music study during his 11th grade year at a private arts high school called Interlochen Arts Academy (IAA). There he studied classical percussion as well as trap-set drumming. IAA is where he received his first experience playing jazz in a group setting. IAA proved to be an important contribution to Davis's future successes.

In 1995, Davis graduated from IAA and began college at Western Michigan University. It was here that he studied with drum master, Billy Hart. Along with learning more about the drums, Mr. Hart instilled in Davis a deep knowledge of the music, which has proven to be very beneficial to his career. For all 4 years, he was quite involved in various performing ensembles such as orchestra, band, as well as jazz combos and big band. Along with emerging as an excellent drummer, he emerged as a great composer. The combos he played with often played his compositions. At various collegiate jazz festivals, musicians such as Roy Haynes, Wallace Roney, Sir Roland Hanna, and Benny Green heard these compositions. Davis graduated in 1999 and substitute taught elementary and middle school music in the Grand Rapids area for one year before moving to New York City.

Within a week of moving to New York City in the summer of 2000, Davis landed his first gig at a well known jam session spot, Cleopatra's Needle in Manhattan. He became their house drummer every Friday, which he did for over a year. His name spread quickly in the jazz community and within a couple of months, he had steady work. Within just his first year, he met and played with many great musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Frank Wess, Russell Malone, Eric Reed, Cyrus Chestnut, Paquito D'Rivera, Lew Tebakin, Marcus Printup, Warren Vache, Ron Blake, Jon Faddis, Stefon Harris, Peter Berstein, Roy Hargrove, Paula West, Nicholas Payton, New York Voices, Ryan Kisor, Regina Carter and Wessell Anderson.

In December 2000, he received a called to go on the road with trumpet master, Tom Harrell. Davis' first tour with Tom was in March of 2001. The band which includes Xavier Davis (pianist), Jimmy Greene (Tenor Sax), and Ugonna Okegwo (bass) recently recorded a live CD at the Village Vanguard for RCA Victor. Along with Mr. Harrell, Davis has been working with the piano wizard Benny Green. Between the two bands, Davis has played in over 10 different countries and in many well known jazz clubs such as: The Village Vanguard and The Blue Note in New York City; The Jazz Showcase in Chicago; Paris, New Morning Jazz Club; The Jazz Bakery, Yoshi, and Catalina Bar and Grill in California.

Davis' talents have clearly been recognized and admired by many and because of his humble spirit, great attitude, and deep knowledge and passion for the music, he will continue to move forward in the jazz scene. He is unquestionably a young and up-coming jazz talent with a great future ahead of him.

Web page: www.quincydavis.com

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