Biography:
Mark Davisis one of the Midwest's most accomplished jazz pianists, having performed with such jazz luminaries as Jimmy Heath, Frank Morgan, Brian Lynch, Eric Alexander and Jeff Hamilton. He cites Bud Powell, Cedar Walton, McCoy Tyner and studies with David Hazeltine and Barry Harris as key influences on his style. He can be heard throughout Southeastern Wisconsin as a soloist and as a member of various groups, including frequent collaborations with saxophone legend Berkeley Fudge.

In addition to a busy performance schedule, Mr. Davis is an active jazz educator, serving as Chairman of Jazz Studies and faculty member at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and as an instructor at Wisconsin Lutheran College and Cardinal Stritch University where he serves as Coordinator of Jazz Studies.


Quotes from reviews:

"Mark Davis, a masterful pianist..."
"...is flawless and exciting."
Jim Adashek - Shepherd Express

"A treasure of jazz piano."
"Davis prodigiously adds modern harmonies and rhythms to standards."
Jeff Bentoff - Milwaukee Magazine

"Davis' technique and sensitivity show sophistication and maturity."
Joe Kutchera - Milwaukee's Downtown Edition

"...plays lyrical and confident interpretations of jazz standards"
"a great teacher"
Joe Kutchera - Shepherd Express

"Mark Davis is a skilled and fluid pianist...sophisticated."
"Bill Evans-like"
Gordon Spencer - Milwaukee Magazine

"The (Berkeley) Fudge / (Mark) Davis match-up is reminiscent of the contrast between (John) Coltrane and McCoy Tyner - Berkeley the more florid soloist with notes crowding the measure, and Mark with his bright voicings and expansive chord clusters that slowly build to climax."
-- excerpt from "Trane Stop" by Carol Klein
Milwaukee's "Metro" Newspaper


"Musically and personally, pianist Mark Davis - who composed this pretty ballad ("Kathleen") - reminds me of his mentor, David Hazeltine."
-- excerpt from the WYMS Jazz Sampler CD liner notes
by Mike Drew (critic, columnist, WYMS Friends Board)




Mark Davis has appeared on the following recordings:

"Bird Say" - We Six
(Available for $15 plus postage from markdavismusic@yahoo.com)

Keeping the tradition of great jazz music that has come out of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, this debut CD from WE SIX was produced by Mark Davis and features three of Mark's compositions along with 6 more original jazz compositions by Mike Plog and Paul Silbergleit.
"A Taste of Jazz in the Park 2005"
http://jazz.easttown.com/specials/cd.htm

This limited edition CD features one track from each of the 15 performing artists (including Mark Davis with "We Six") that appeared during the 2005 Jazz in the Park season.
"Let It Go" - Jeno Somlai
(ISBN 2-8800740098-0 © 2004)

This recent CD by Milwaukee percussionist Jeno Somlai includes Mark's piano playing on one of Jeno's compositions "Libby".
"Bonifas Quartet" - Bill Bonifas
(ISBN 6-6618246504-6 © 2001)

This debut CD by Milwaukee guitarist Bill Bonifas spotlights Mark's piano playing throughout the album.
"The WYMS Jazz Sampler"
(WMYS WMYS196 © 1996)

This benefit CD for Milwaukee's Jazz Radio Station WYMS includes many of Milwaukee's talented jazz musicians and features Mark Davis' composition "Kathleen" as well as his piano playing on Paul Silbergleit's song "Silberglicity"
"Silberglicity" - Paul Silbergleit
(Silberspoon Productions SSP1001 © 1996)

This excellent CD by Milwaukee jazz guitarist Paul Silbergleit showcases Mark Davis' piano playing on all 11 songs and includes two Mark Davis compositions "Ociana" and "Kathleen"


For Booking or Lesson Infomation Contact:
Mark Davis · (414) 962-7861
e-mail: markdavismusic@yahoo.com


Last Updated 9/11/2007 © Pickle Alley Entertainment