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

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. Congrantulations 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 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO:

Dr. Art Davis taught a master class at the University of New Mexico. There were 15 bass students in attendance with 25 non bass students as observers. It was a highly successful master class.

The World Stage Concert:

On April 6,2001 in South Central Los Angeles at The World Stage, there was an event to celebrate the Birthday of Horace Tapscott. In the audience were students, parents, faithful followers, professional musicians, and performance artists. Some from the neighborhood and others who had come from great distances.

Windmaestro Charles Owens walked in the door, instrument case under-arm. "What are you doing here?" shouted Dr. Davis "Dunno!" came the reply. The badinage was an historical reference to Dizzy Gillespie. both beamed in anticipation of a great night of musice, avante garde.

Doug Weeb, saxphonist extraordinaire introduced a new man, pianist and a studio guy to the Dr. Art Davis Quintet, Mike Grason. Webb said the last time they met, Grason had blonde hair in a pony tail. This evening Garson was all skin and all business.

Percussionist Tony Austin completed the ensemble, playing in the usual place of his mentor, the most-recorded drummer Billy Higgins. And we were assured he would have been there, but for a pending liver transplant.

The World Stage's Don Mohammed, spoke with great feeling about Papa Horace Tapscott and introduced Mrs. Celia Tapscott in the audience, who was warmly greeted by the audience. Accompanied by author Steve Isordi of Central Avenue Jazz fame, the two had come from a book signing and official release of Horace Tapscott's Biography, The Giant Awakens.

Dr. Davis said the Quintet would play Tapscott's favorite tunes to honor this auspicious occasion, including My Favorite Things and Debee's Dance.

This night, the sheet music was played right off the music stand and the piano. 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, or several to hold without overflow and overwhelm, the event became a religious experience of mystery and revelation, a catharsis, a healing: The minds of the audience became one to comprehend the entire.

Pianist Jane Getz and trumpeter Richard Grant joined Dr. Davis' group for night two, with never-out-of-breath Charlie O. and the never-out-of-licks, Tony Austin, for a little less adventurous but very pleasing night of Papa's favorites.

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

DECEMBER 2000 at OCC

George V. Johnson Jr. came 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".

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

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).

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

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 reed 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.

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.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Note: listed are only those appearances and events that are open to the public. Dr. Davis plays often in studio settings, private parties, etc. which will not be listed here. You may contact him if you wish to find out what he's been up to lately.

Upcomming events will be posted soon ().
Dr. Art Davis' next appearence locations will be posted here in the near future so keep checking back.

Every Sunday!
Dr. Art Davis with Jan Jordan (piano). Sunday duo from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (that's quite a set!) at the Ritz Carlton Hotel--Laguna Nigel/Dana Point, in the Terrace Restaurant.
Note: Due to contractual commitments, Dr. Davis does not appear at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel on selected Sundays. Please call the hotel at (949)240-2000 to verify that Dr. Art Davis will be appearing on a particular Sunday, and ask for the Terrace Restaurant. Address: One Ritz-Carlton Drive in Dana Point, California 92629.

NOW THERE ARE TWO B.A.S.S. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. (click scholarship links to view information)

B.A.S.S. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 1 for 2002 NOW AVAILABLE.

Now a 2nd B.A.S.S. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2 for 2002 IS AVAILABLE.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR LINKS TO JAZZ PLACES ON THE INTERNET.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE TENTH ANNUAL B.A.S.S. AWARDS BANQUET

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