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CLICK HERE FOR NEWS ABOUT THE TENTH ANNUAL B.A.S.S. AWARDS BANQUET

MOCA SUMMER NIGHTS
Photos by Sharon Zarrinnegar

In sight of LA City Hall people gathered from local businesses and schools, teachers, workers, and tourists, to see the Dr. Art Davis Quintet at MOCA.

In photo at left, from left to right we have Dr. Art Davis on Bass, Nate Morgan keyboards, Charles Owens and Doug Webb on woodwinds, with Tony Austin (in photo on right) on Drums.

From left to right is Oscar Peterson and Dr. Art Davis at the Hollywood Bowl August 22, 2001

THANK-YOU LETTERS FROM THE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

"Dear Dr. Davis:

Thank you so much for your generous donation. This scholarship award means more than a financial aid to me. With your help I cando my best for the incoming school year.  My graduation will be coming--soon next year and I can't wait to  use my professional skills  to help other people.  I wish you the best and thanks again B.A.S.S.   for the scholarship.......Best regards, Jianna Do........Nursing student"

"Dear Dr. Davis.

I wanted to thank you again for your kindness and generosity. I had such a wonderful time at the scholarship ceremony. The music and food were incredible. I have already purchased a new pair of nursing shoes (much needed) and  a large-face Mickey Mouse watch to use both as a tier for pulse and
respirations, and a distraction for my Pediatrics patients. I was also able to get a new, up-dated Drug Guide with all the newest medications in it. It was such a pleasure to meet you and I felt quite honored to have to have been chosen to receive your scholarship. Thank you so much once again!!...Always Lynda Woodhouse"

"Dr Davis and Family:

Thank you for choosing me as your Dr. Art Davis Scholarship recipient.  I feel very honored and am filled with gratitude.  The money will be used toward purchasing a computer for my school work.  Thank you for making the world a brighter place and a better place in supporting scholars in need...God Bless you and your family...Sincerely yours, Theresa Vong."

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2001

The eleventh Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet was an overwhelming success with many kudos.  Yvette Freeman and Lanny Hartley were received enthusiastically. The musicians; Charles Owens on flute and tenor, Lanny Hartley, piano and Tony Austin,drums were enhanced with Dr Art Davis and CathyAnn Laurie on bass.   MC Torrence Reece was a hit . The speeches from Kimaili Davis and Mureithi   Davis were stirring. Dr Art Davis thanked Kimaili Davis, Mureithi Davis and Sharon for their help on the Committee. He also recognized a number of donors. Mary Fleckenstein, the oldest member and historian  was unable to attend due to her condition.  Dr Davis also thanked Gustaf the owner of the restaurant. 

Winners were for 2 Dr. Art Davis Scholars and 2 Gladys Davis Memorial Scholars.  Kimaili Davis presented cash awards to the 2 Gladys Davis Memorial Scholarship Award recipients: Jianna Do and Xuyen Kim Huynh .  Dr. Art Davis presented the 2 winners of the award in his name:  Theresa Uong and Lynda Woodhouse. Congratulations to this years award recipients!

ICE CARVING OF DR. ART DAVIS' BASS BY WORLD RENOWNED CHEF GABRIEL CALIENDO

Chef Garde Manager, Gabriel Caliendo at the 5 star Ritz Carlton Hotel, Laguna Nigel, carved a likeness on ice of Dr. Art Davis' double bass.  The chef is known for his award winning ice sculptures.

Dr. Art Davis above with the ice scuplture of his double bass.

Picture on left: Chef and Ice Scupltor Gabriel Caliendo with his creation. Picture on right: If you look closely (click on picture for blow up)  you can see the words "For ART" carved out of the ice.

DR. ART DAVIS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO:

Some photos of Dr. Art Davis teaching a master class at the University of New Mexico.

From left to right with Dr. Davis in above photos are: Matt Cory, Blake Thompson, and Rodney Boave.

In photo to left is Zimbabwei Kenya with Dr. Davis.

Some of the 15 bass students were in attendance with 25 non bass students as observers. It was a highly successful master class.

DR. ART DAVIS AND HIS FAN CLUB EXPRESS THEIR THANKS TO SOPHIA, NICK PERON AND DIANA DORN JONES FOR INVITING HIM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JOHN LEWIS TRIBUTE IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO.

From left to right  in above photos are: George V. Johnson, Sophia Peron, Dr. Art Davis, and Nick Peron.   Nick and Sophia Peron are the owners of The Jazz Inn in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Click on this link to visit their website: JazZInn.com

AT THE WORLD STAGE WITH THE ART DAVIS QUINTET:

On April 6,2001 in South Central Los Angeles at a remarkable venue, The World Stage, was an event of some stature to celebrate the birthday memorial of local hero and founder of music organizations, the fabulous pianist Horace Tapscott. 

Faithful followers, professional musicians, and performance artists, students and parents filled the room, some from the neighborhood and others from long ways away. Windmaestro Charles Owens walked in the door, instrument case underarm. 

"What are YOU doing here?" shouted Dr. Davis    "I DUNNO!" replied Owens in homage to Dizzy Gillespie.  Everybody beamed in anticipation of a fine night of music avante garde.

Doug Webb, co-windmaster introduced the new man to the group, pianist and a studio-guy Mike Grason.  Webb disclosed that the last time they worked together, Grason had blonde hair in a pony tail: No evidence remained.

Percussionist Tony Austin completed the ensemble, playing in place of his mentor, most-recorded drummer Billy Higgins.

The World Stage's Don Mohammed spoke with great feeling about Papa Horace Tapscott.  Mohammed introduced Mrs. Celia Tapscott with author Steve Isoardi of Central Avenue Jazz.  The two had come from the offical release and book signing of the late Tapscott's biography, Songs of the Unsung.  No doubt it's another big hit for historian Isoardi.  Dr. Davis announced, in honor of this great occasion the Quintet would play Tapscott's favorite tunes,  including My Favorite Things and Debee's Dance.

This fantastic night, the sheet music was played right off the music stand and the piano, too. The intensity of the solos, the sheer volume of notes played in, around and inside out, revived the ancient tradition of driving out the evil spirits.  Too much for one mind alone or several to hold without overflow and overwhelm, this moment in time, this Tapscott Memorial became a religious experience of mystery and revelation, a catharsis, a healing: The many minds of the audience converged to comprehend the entire.

Wonderful pianist Jane Getz and rising trumpeter Richard Grant joined Dr. Davis' group for night two, with never-out-of-breath Charlie Owens and the never-out-of-chops, Tony Austin, for a trifle less adventurous but very pleasing night of Papa's favorites.

Musicianship was beyond competent to excellent with outstanding solos all around, especially Dr. Davis who played all over the bass, bowing under the strings, harmonics, off the sound board, the works! A bassist's bassist, a musician's musician, nobody has his big, big sound.   ----S.Z.

News: Page2

In the March issue of Jazz Times there is an article titled "Final Chorus" by Nat Hentoff about Dr. Art Davis.   Pick up a copy at your nearest Book Store.

History Of Jazz at OCC

From left to right: George V. Johnson Jr. and Dr. Davis at Orange Coast College for a presentation to Dr. Davis's History Of Jazz class in December.  Mr. Johnson is a published Poet and Singer best known for his lyrics to Coltran's "Moment's Notice".

From left to right: Nick and Sophia Peron with George V. Johnson Jr. and Dr. Davis. Nick and Sophia own and run the JazZ Inn  in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a Bed and Breakfast which has been a home away from home to numerous Jazz Artists. They accompanied Mr. Johnson on his tour to Southern California.  JazZInn.com

NOVEMBER 9 - 12, 2000 UCI BARCLAY THEATRE

Most recently Dr Davis appeared in the UCI Arts Week production of Jamnation.  This collaboration of the UCI Music and Dance Departments featured 35 dancers and the Jazz Band playing the music of  Duke Elllington, Billy Strayhorn, Charlie Parker and   Oscar Pettiford.  The Directors were:

From left to right: Charles Owens, insrtuctor in the UCI Music Dept. and Master of Wind Instruments; Donald McKayle Artistic Director of the UCI event JAMNATION; Kei Akagi, Head of the UCI Jazz Department.

Dr. Davis is pictured with Donald McKayle

Giselle McKensie with Dr. Davis and the Abe Most Orchestra at the OCC Robert B. Moore Auditorium October 21, 2000.

KNITTING FACTORY OCTOBER 7, 2000

At The Knitting Factory in Hollywood California, Dr. Art Davis and a few of his friends were video taped by the cable channel B.E.T. for its Jazz segment (airing date to be announced). Featured with Dr. Davis were:

From left to right: Nate Morgan (Keyboards), Dr Art Davis (Bass), Charles Owens (Sax), and Gregory Hutchinson (Drums).         

But for our faithful visitors we have a special treat just for you!!! CLICK HERE  to view one of the songs played by the band that night! (copyright Dr Art Davis October 2000)

OC WEEKLY SEPT 29 - OCT. 5, 2000

OC Weekly's Bill Kohlhaase did an interview with Dr. Art Davis on "French Dining".  To read this very interesting article for your self just  CLICK HERE. (Article used by permission of Bill Kohlhaase of OC Weekly).

MONTEREY BAY MARCH 2, 2000

At California State University, Dr. Art Davis was invited to participate in a concert/deamonstration where he both spoke and performed with Hammiet Bluet and John Purcel, both renown members of the World Saxophone Quartet. Also performing was percussionist Babatunde.

From left to right is Dr. Richard Baines (Chair of the Music Dept.), Hammiet Bluet, John Purcel, (faculty member), Babatunde (faculty member),and Dr. Art Davis.

Dr. Art Davis, Hammiet Bluet, and John Purcel..

SOUNDTRACK RECORDING

Captial Records Studio A, was filled with first call studio musicians led by the brilliant composer, conductor, and trumpeter, Terrence Blanchard. Dr. Art Davis was pleased to be his lead bassist. The movie is titled Love and Basketball.

From left to right is Terri Lynn Carrington, percussionist, Terrence Blanchard and Dr. Art Davis

The NAMM Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center

Stephan Schertler and his partner Peter Koley asked Dr. Art Davis if he would demonstrate their amplifier, transducer, and strings for the double bass this year. Davis was very pleased by the personal involvement of the members of the Schertler Company, the care for the products they created and their appreciation of his professional expertise and opinions.

Dr. Art Davis discusses the bass and Schertler products with (left to right) David Friesen, noted bassist, Stephan Schertler and Peter Koley, Sr.

Peter Koley and Dr. Art Davis at the NAMM Show.

DR. ART DAVIS AT ROCCO
Review by Jaime Rogers

Rocco, Bel Air, CA, Thursday, March 16, 2000
The Art Davis Trio impressed crowds again on Thursday night at Rocco, a new restaurant and jazz venue in Beverly Glenn. Playing with Davis was Nate Morgan on piano and William Henderson on drums. Henderson, who is primarily a piano player, showed great talent on drums that night. 

The play list consisted of several of Davis' own compositions as well as some John Coltrane songs. The first Coltrane standard played was "My Favorite Things." Hugely popular when Coltrane and Davis first played it together, it remained a hit with the audience at Rocco. Davis soloed in his signature bowing style making the audience feel right at home. Henderson had a long, complicated solo which he played with a grin on his face the entire time. They then played Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood." Davis played the slow, sensual ballad with a swinging bass line and Morgan played strong blocked chords in his left hand. Tension was built slowly and relieved only by Davis' cello-like solo. He then built it right back up with full, fat picking. 

They finished the first set with Davis' "Everybody's Doing It." The crowd nodded with recognition when the title was announced, then kept on nodding through Morgan's intense vamping in this piano driven song. 

The trio came back for a second set and Davis started off with an amazing solo where he used his bow to 'hand-slap' his bass, giving it an eastern percussive feel. He then went into straight bowing, moving down the neck of the instrument, even playing past the bridge for a period. They then played Davis' three part suite, "A Time Remembered." The suite chronicles the early New Orleans funeral tradition of marching to a cemetery, conducting the funeral ceremony, then celebrating the persons life. The overall feel of the suite is very blusey and very southern. Davis played a walking bass line while Morgan ran up and down through the blues scale. They built off this feel for the first two parts of the suite, then burst into the celebration which sounded like an instrumental gospel choir. 

They finished up the night with a long, dark, avant garde piece that quieted the audience and sent them home, as usual, wanting more.

NEW PHOTOS AVAILABLE

Wednesday, January 26, 2000
Several new photographs of L.A. area musicians by ArtDavis.com lead photographer Sharon Zarrinnegar have been posted. Click here to view the photos.

DR. ART DAVIS AT KNAUER/JOHNSON STUDIO
Review by Jaime Rogers

Saturday, January 15, 2000
On Saturday night, January 15th, Dr. Art Davis appeared with the Bobby Bradford Motet before a sold out crowd at the Knauer/Johnson Studio. The performance was a tribute to the West Coast avant garde composer and clarinetist, John Carter. Regular members of the motet are Bobby Bradford on trumpet, Nels Cline on guitar, William Jeffrey on drums and Vinny Golia on woodwinds. Special guest, Alex Cline, Nels Cline's twin brother, joined in on drums for the first set. Tylana Enomoto, a student of Bradford's at Pasadena City College, sat in on violin. This was Enomoto's first performance in the medium and she certainly did not disappoint the crowd. The group preformed for nearly 1 1/2 hours when, to the audience’s dismay, the musicians were forced to shut down due to complaints from the studio neighbors.

The first set consisted of a suite titled “Castles of Ghana.” The suite opens with “Evening Prayer,” a slow tune that sustained a long, droning rhythm throughout. The rhythm section worked with the solos to slowly create tension that tapered off as gradually as it had been built. This determined an otherworldly tone that was to dominate the rest of the evening’s numbers. The next song of the suite bears its title, “Castles of Ghana.” They finished up with “Themes of Desperation.” This final song began with a beautiful, mourning violin solo that sounded eerily like a woman crying. Davis punctured this solo with a strong heart-beat-like riff. Golia joined in on the woodwinds, lending the sound of a ghost and Bradford completed the mood with a few fog horn notes from the trumpet. This slowly escalated into frenzied brush playing by Cline while Jeffrey, who had joined in on a second drum set, played rhythm. The dramatic tune finally came to a rest with a swift bow across Davis’ four stings. The audience sat in silence, not wanting the moment to end.

Jeffrey replaced Cline on drums for the second set and continued with the phenomenal performance. The styles of the two drummers, which were clearly reflected in their choice of drum sets, were as different as can be. Cline opted for a large set that included several cymbals, gongs and bongo drums, while Jeffrey opted for a minimal set and style. Both drummers had command of the material and preformed extraordinarily. Davis kept an impeccable groove throughout the performance, contributing to the tightness of their sound. His solo during “Enter from the East,” incited a burst of applause and shouts from the audience after he simultaneously picked and bowed his instrument. One audience member summed up the night perfectly, “Even when every musician was playing something completely different from each other, they still sounded like they were a single instrument, they were that tight.”

ASIDES--

• Afficionado and bassist, Paulette sent Dr. Art Davis a message after the Cline/Bradford event raving about his big, strong solo, "The energy level was so high! And your solo was won-der-ful!" Ms. Paulette was one of many turned away from the door at ten-to-eight because of fire regulations, and who remained outside to hear the program anyways."Then, the guy-next-door came over with his energy and announced that he had already called the police," she said. The guardians of the peace did arrive at fifteen-to ten, and the event was shut down with only one tune left unplayed. The audience lingered to have a word with the artists, take a picture, exchange excited comments. Fifteen after, the chairs were all away and nearly everyone had departed in compliance.

• Dr. Art Davis remarked that he hadn't the occasion to play John Carter's music for 20 years, when he played it with Carter himself in New York. " It was a special series of avant gard concerts held at Soundscape, a loft that sat 100," recalled Davis, who continued, "This music casts away the old boundaries and redefines what is music. It is not a coincidence to find many university students, intellectuals and professional musicians in attendance." "I've noticed a resurgence of interest in avant gard music, lately. The swing thing and big band Latin sounds have been a lot of fun for dancers. Blues and rock-and-roll may be "forever", but when you really want to think and express your ideas as a musician, you want to play avant gard jazz." ---Sharon Z.

• Best of 1999 in music was announced in the L.A. Jazz  Scene by Russell Arthur Roberts (excerpted):  The (Fifth) annual John Coltrane Tribute at the World Stage is always thrilling. This year's (event) was perhaps more so. Centered around former Coltrane bassist Art Davis (who organizes and leads the tribute each year) were saxophonists Charles Owens, Phil Vieux on leave from Eddie Palmieri, Michael Session and Doug Webb; flautist Sakari Reid, pianist William Henderson, and Drummer Billy Higgins; plus poet (genius) Kamau Daaood. The two one-hour sets were essentially comprised of two Coltrane compositions--one hour each!" (editor's note: This year the Tribute lasted three evenings and was packed with happy fans. Some of the tunes were Ole, Africa, My Favorite Things, Wise Man, Bemscha Swing, Dahomey Dance and Blues Minor. This time the music was the most intense and transporting. I dearly wish it had been recorded. --Sharon Zarrinnegar)

EXCERPTS FROM STUDENT REVIEWS

Click here to read excerpts from student reviews of various Dr. Art Davis performances. These reviews were collected from students in Dr. Davis' History of Jazz course at Orange Coast College during the fall semester of 1999.

ART DAVIS QUINTET INITIATES THE PARISIAN
Review by Corey Scribner

Hollywood Park Casino, Parisian Room, Inglewood, CA, December 10, 1999
The Dr. Art Davis Quintet played the second-ever show at the newly opened Parisian Room at Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood. While the room has yet to acquire a piano, the band gave future Parisian Room performers something to live up to.

Present to hear the band (which consisted of Dr. Art Davis, bass; Billy Higgins, drums; William Henderson, piano; Doug Webb and Charles Owens, woodwinds) were such notables as James Janiesse and Chuck Niles, the top two DJs at KLON FM 88.1.

The quintet played tunes such as Coltrane's "Wise One" and the classic "In Your Own Sweet Way". They also performed the favorite "Everybody's Doin' It" from Dr. Davis' recent release "A Time Remembered". The room was packed, as well it should be...this is a band you don't want to miss!

THE ART DAVIS QUARTET AT CATALINA'S
Review by Elizabeth Molo, reprinted with permission from the L.A. Jazz Scene

Article posted September 19, 1999
Every Tune, A Work of Art
Art Davis is known by many for his extraordinary associations to some of the most accomplished musicians of this century. Yet his self possessed and modest demeanor sometimes belies the fact that he continues to be a vibrant and extremely creative artist in our midst. Though heard often in various musical settings, the magnitude of his talent is most apparent when he appears with a band in the context of both leader and musician. This was the case at Catalina's on July 7.

Davis, who recently received an ASCAP award for his composition "Life," the title track of a newly re-released CD by Davis from 1985 with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, pianist John Hicks and drummer Idris Muhammad, has a resume beyond what would be called impressive, has played with a number of the century's greatest luminaries, including Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry and Art Blakey. Thus it is not surprising that he would have an endless musical frame of reference to draw upon as composer and performer. What is surprising however, is the consistently high level of intensity and spirituality he exuded in a memorable performance in Hollywood.

Notable, the musical chemistry of the accompanying musicians on this date was palpable. Davis was joined by Nate Morgan on piano, Doug Webb on reeds, and John Molo on drums. A riveting performance of passion and conviction occurred when Davis led the band in playing his composition, "A Time Remembered." Written in '95, it is an emotionally poignant piece commemorating the end of a human life. Comprised of three dramatic parts it consists of a processional dirge like melody, followed by a musical eulogy and finally a celebratory wake. Another high point of the show was when the incredible saxophonist Charles Owens joined the band late in the evening and drew rounds of cheers for his solos. Playing briefly were two musicians introduced by Davis as new to many in the audience. On flute was Sakari Reid. And young saxophonist Terrace Martin wowed everyone with distinctively phrased lines that were indicative of great things to come.

Every tune was evidence of the first rate capabilities of the musicians. Pianist Nate Morgan in top form, played lush and powerful solos, mesmerizing the crowd. Doug Webb was particularly effective on clarinet, soloing on an introduction of Davis' composition, "Everybody's Doin' It." A soulfully intricate solo by Davis, opening his composition "Ans," was one of many compelling moments. Relatively, drummer John Molo was keenly expert in swinging "Art's Boogie," accompanying superb solos by the band. It was noteworthy that on a Wednesday night the full audience sustained a remarkable enthusiasm into the late hours of the evening, giving repeated ovations in response to every tune.

Davis is an artists, exceptional in his ability to communicate to an audience that they are participants in the spirit of his most creative musical endeavors. He has an unflappable dignity and elegance as musician, educator, composer and bandleader that is a rarity today, regardless of the milieu of the art.

DR. ART DAVIS QUARTET "WOWS" CATALINA CROWD

Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood, CA, July 7, 1999
The Dr. Art Davis Quartet blew away the capacity crowd at Hollywood's Catalina Bar & Grill last Wednesday night. Davis played fantastically, with his unique combination of sonic power and musical sensitivity. Featured in the Quartet were Nate Morgan (piano), Doug Webb (woodwinds), and John Molo (drums). The band played a marvelous mix of tunes, starting off with Theolonious Monk's "Bemsha Swing" (which Davis recorded with Max Roach), followed by the Davis original "Everybody's Doing It". Davis' Quartet then displayed their incredible musicianship with a beautiful rendition of John Coltrane's piece "Love". The set came to a roaring conclusion with Davis' three-movement suite "A Time Remembered", closing out a marvelous performance by a truly great quartet.

DR. ART DAVIS INTERVIEW WITH SO WHAT MAGAZINE

Dr. Davis toured Europe last year with saxophonist David Murrary's band. During his visit, he was interviewed by the internet magazine So What, headquartered in France. Key ArtDavis.com reporter and photographer Sharon Zarrinnegar graciously translated the interview from French to English. The first half of the two-part interview series can be read by clicking here. Check back soon for the second half of this great interview.

DR. ART DAVIS CONSULTED ON NEW MAX ROACH BOX SET

Dr. Art Davis was recently interviewed by Verve Records as a consultant for a new Max Roach compact disc boxed set. Dr. Davis' unique insight on the venerable drummer will be added to the forthcoming set, scheduled for release in October 1999.

WORLD SAXOPHONE QUARTET ENERGIZES ORANGE COUNTY
Review by Corey Scribner, Photos by Sharon Zarrinnegar

Founders Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, CA, April 25, 1999
The house lights dimmed in Founders Hall and a baritone saxophone vamp could be heard somewhere in the distance. The bari vamp grew steadily louder, closer, and sporano, alto, and tenor voices soon joined the cadence. The stage lights brightened and on walked John Purcell (soprano), Oliver Lake (alto), John Stubblefield (tenor), Hamiet Bluiett (bari), and drummer Jack DeJohnette. That grand entrance set the tone for the entire evening--the five master musicians put on an amazing show.

After some intense collective improvisation, John Purcell took the first solo on soprano. Eyes open and fixed forward, Purcell's technical facility, coupled with his emotional playing, demonstrated why he's know as one of the best in the world. Baritone player Hamiet Bluiett showed complete control of the instrument (even after breaking his read shortly into the first tune), blowing super-soft low tones and playing melodies completely in the altissimo register. John Stubblefield put his tenor through its paces on the final horn solo of the first tune. DeJohnette ended the solos by quoting the rhythm of the tune's melody, "I Let a Song Go Out of my Heart," which was the first indication of the standard's melody to the audience.

The next selection played was "Tutu," by DeJohnette's former band-mate Miles Davis. Oliver Lake played an outstanding alto solo while the other members of the band played improvised background figures. DeJohnette played with intense power, making wonderful use of space in his solo, which few drummers today have the confidence to do.

After playing "Tutu," John Purcell stepped to the mic to acknowledge, as he put it, "one of the finest bassists in the business...who has inspired us all." Purcell was referring to Dr. Art Davis, who was seated in the second row.

The third tune of the set was a beautiful Hamiet Bluiett arrangement of "Come Sunday." Bluiett's voicings in this arrangement were marvelous.The melody was played rubato, then later shifted to a funky, classic World Saxophone Quartet-style line. After "Come Sunday," Jack DeJohnette stepped forward, bells in hand, and "blessed" the audience and each member of the band by jingling his bells above their heads. He then sat down at the piano and began playing the Miles Davis composition "Blue in Green," on which John Purcell played one of the most beautiful and energizing soprano solos I've ever heard. Dr. Art Davis later told DeJohnette that someone had mentioned the drummer's name for a substitute piano player once, but Dr. Davis didn't call him to sub because as he told DeJohnette, "I didn't want to make you feel bad." After hearing him play piano on "Blue in Green," however, Davis told DeJohnette that his piano playing was "not too bad" (smiles all around).

To end the set, the band cut into their signature vamp and walked off the stage playing. Each member of the band saluted Dr. Davis as they played their way to the dressing room. When the music stopped the room was still alive with energy and the continued applause of the audience prompted the band to return for a final bow. The World Saxophone Quartet has the kind of personal camaraderie and musical mastery that makes a truly great band. If they're ever in town--Don't miss them.

Click here to see more photos of the World Saxophone Quartet's performance.

BOOKSTORE WELCOMES JAZZ LEGENDS
Review by Corey Scribner, Photos by Sharon Zarrinnegar

Borders Books, Music, & Cafe, Long Beach California, April 17, 1999
Dr. Art Davis, drummer Billy Higgins, and guitarist Nels Cline gave a riveting performance last Saturday, free-of-charge. Even without advertisement, this event drew an overflowing crowd to Borders Books in Long Beach. Its not often you find musicians as prominent as these three giving a free concert, but when you do--you'd better be there.

Audience members, including KLON-radio's "iron man" James Janisse (who, incidentally will be the M.C. of this year's B.A.S.S. scholarship awards banquet --pictured on the right in the photograph)  gave the trio a standing ovation at night's end, insisting they treat the crowd to one more spectacular tune. The event once again demonstrated Davis' commitment to keeping the music fresh. As one audience member commented, "Its great that Dr. Davis brings a guy like Nels (Cline) to play here...a lot of jazz musicians look down on players (like Nels) that don't just stay in the jazz realm...Dr. Davis doesn't do that, he has him (Nels) here because he likes what he's playing."

The night was alive with popular tunes such as Bemsha Swing and My Favorite Things, the Davis hit "Everybody's Doing It", and the free pieces Turnaround (Ornette Coleman) and "ANS" (Dr. Art Davis). This night can't be recaptured, but other memorable evenings of music are sure to follow for Davis & Co. Check out the Upcoming Events here at ArtDavis.com often for more amazing performances such as this one!

Click here for more photos of the performance at Borders Books.

BASSIST BRINGS SILENCE TO CROWDED ROOM
Review by Corey Scribner

Catalina Bar & Grill, Hollywood, March 29, 1999
Dr. Art Davis stunned the crowd with an absolutely incredible solo at a tribute concert to the late Horace Tapscott (who was a member of Davis' group for the past five years). At a point in the performance when many unscrupulous listeners begin their conversations--the bass solo--Davis controlled the venue. Dr. Davis demonstrated his vast technical facility, even playing below the bridge on his bass. His solo moved flawlessly from one masterful technique to the next, in truly intellectual fashion. Not a sound was to be heard while Davis played, the band faded out to make room for the venerable bassist and the waiters stopped in their tracks. Listeners were brought to the edge of their seats with Davis' patented brand of Avant Garde only to be "brought back to reality", as Davis later commented, when he ended his solo by quoting a traditional two-beat march with the message "have compassion for the children". Davis himself realized the significance of the moment stating "I realized at that point you could hear a pin drop, so I decided to include a message for the audience". As can be seen from his volunteer performances at local schools and his B.A.S.S. organization, Davis practices what he preaches.

NEW PHOTOGRAPHS

Dr. Davis has provided a few photographs from various events he has participated in recently. Click here to view the photos.

DR. ART DAVIS FAN CLUB HOSTS A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY

The DR. ART DAVIS FAN CLUB held a surprise 80th birthday party for
Mary Fleckenstein, a Founder of the club and its historian. Mary is the oldest member of the fan club and is a devoted supporter of live music. She is seen at a different club each night. Kikuya, a jazz club in Huntington Beach, was a co-sponsor in which more than 50 musicians and singers donated their services on behalf of Mary supporting them. Bill Kohlhasse of the LA Times attended the function and wrote about it.

It was a glorious occasion, performed to a packed house. "We successfully surprised Mary," said Dr. Art Davis. Mary gave the quote of the evening saying, "When you're down in the dumps, good music will snap you right out of it. Its what I live for."

SOLO BASS PERFORMANCE

Dr. Arthur Davis gave a solo bass performance March 18, 1999 at the Richard Henry Dana Elementary School to an enthusiastic student body. The students listened intently and asked many cogent questions. Click here to view some letters of thanks sent to Dr. Davis by the students and teachers.

DR. ART DAVIS VOTED THE "BEST OF THE BEST"

Dr. Art Davis was voted the "BEST OF THE BEST" adjunct faculty member of the Fine Arts Division at Orange Coast College for 1999.

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