QUINCY DAVIS, born on August 27th 1977 in Grand Rapids, MI, comes from a very musical family. He picked up the drums from an early age and often would play with his older brother in their basement. In his elementary and middle school bands, he also played trumpet and tuba.
His formal musical studies began during his 11th grade year at Interlochen Arts Academy (IAA). There he studied classical percussion as well as trap-set drumming. IAA is where he received his first experience playing with a jazz band. IAA proved to be an important contribution to Davis future successes.
In 1995, Davis graduated from IAA and began college at Western Michigan University. There 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. During these collegiate years, Davis played at various collegiate jazz festivals where notable musicians like Benny Green, Bunky Green, Jon Faddis, Roy Haynes, Carl Allen, Louis Hayes, and Wallace Roney heard and recognized Davis talents with written accolades and excellence certificates.
After graduating in 1999, Davis taught elementary and middle school instrumental music in the Grand Rapids area for one year before moving to New York City.
In the summer of 2000, Davis moved to New York City. He quickly became one of the sought after young cats on the New York jazz scene. Since being in New York, Davis has played with many great musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Frank Wess, Russell Malone, Eric Reed, Paquito D'Rivera, Lew Tebakin, Marcus Printup, Warren Vache, Ron Blake, Jon Faddis, Stefon Harris, Peter Berstein, Roy Hargrove, Randy Johnston, Laverne Butler, Paula West, Nicholas Payton, New York Voices, Ryan Kisor and Wessell Anderson.
Davis has toured with notable leaders including Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Regina Carter, and Tom Harrell. Along with being in Benny Greens trio for 1 year, he was also a part of the Tom Harrell Quintet for 4 years. With these and other 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, Yoshis, and Catalina Bar and Grill in California.
Major recordings Davis can be heard on include: Tom Harrells Live at the Village Vanguard and Wise Children on the RCA Victor recording label; Vincent Gardners Elbow Room on the SteepleChase label.
Today, Davis continues to free-lance and travel with various musicians and also leads his own band from time to time in which his talents as a composer are featured.
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 make his mark in the jazz world.
