Deborah Davis / Deborah Davis & A Few Good Men

Deborah Davis / Deborah Davis & A Few Good Men
New York City (Manhattan) & Brooklyn, NY
Grant amount: $15,000

About the Artists

DEBORAH DAVIS is a NYC based international jazz vocalist with a natural flowing charm and flawless stage presence that draws you into her show. A native of Dallas, TX and UNT alum, she has toured 30+ international countries, has performed with legendary jazz greats Lionel Hampton, and Clark Terry, invited to sing with Freddie Hubbard, Randy Brecker, Art Blakey, and Ray Brown, did a commercial with Ella Fitzgerald and subbed for Abbey Lincoln. As a band leader she has lead her own bands featuring, Cyrus Chestnut, Gerald Clayton, Benny Green, Christian McBride, Neal Caine, Peter Washington, Rufus Reed, Russell Malone, Greg Hutchinson, Brian Blade, Willie Jones III and too many more to name. She’s know for her unique phrasing and ability to swing like her life depends on it. As an independent artist she formed “got my own records” producing 3 recordings. She has sung for dignitaries at the U.N. and U.S. Embassy affairs including a performance for President Bill Clinton, and toured Latin America as former US Jazz Ambassador. Deborah Davis Music Design is music curator and consultant for international hotels, jazz clubs, music festivals and events. Her charitable contributions include annual benefit shows for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and City Meals on Wheels (NYC). www.DeborahDavisSings.com

MICHAEL KING began playing drums in his local church band at the early age of 4. This fortuitously melodic schooling nurtured an undeniable affinity to the piano and organ, the very seat that he began to occupy, playing by ear, at the young age of 14. Michael is an alumni of the Lincoln Park High School and the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory. He was selected to attend the Thelonious Monk Institute and The Ravinia Jazz Scholars program in merit scholarships. Mr. King has performed with Bobby Watson, Kevin Eubanks, Dave Lieberman, Gary Bartz, Billy Hart, Joel Frahm, Rufus Reid, and Antonio Hart, among others. Currently you can catch him touring internationally with: The Mike King Trio, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Deborah Davis, Robin Eubanks, Marquis Hill, Theo Croker, Soul Understated, Melissa Aldana, and Marcus Printup. www.MikeKingPiano.com

NEAL “Sugar” CAINE was born in St. Louis where he began playing the violin at age of three, later picking up the electric and acoustic bass in his teenage years. After graduating from the University City High School. Neal attended Tulane University and immediately began to perform at the jazz clubs around town with musicians such as Ellis Marsalis, Earl "The African Cowboy" Turbinton, Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison, Brian Blade, etc. Neal is one of the premier jazz bassists on the scene today. His dynamic style is punctuated by a huge sound, a great feel, and masterful technique that have made him the chosen bassist to an array of stars, from Harry Connick, Jr. and Diana Krall, to the venerable jazz legends Betty Carter and Elvin Jones. A dual resident of New York City and New Orleans, this St. Louis native has delighted audiences worldwide since he began touring internationally at age 19 with the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet. His resume reads like a “Who’s Who of Jazz”. www.nealsugarcaine.com

WILLIE JONES III is one of the world's leading jazz drummers today. With an unparalleled style of rhythmic expression, he honors influences like Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey and Billie Higgins yet his bold articulation and constantly innovative sense of swing are results of his life-long musical experience. He performed with distinguished musicians by the time he was a teen and received a full scholarship to California Institute of the Arts studying under the tutelage of the legendary Albert “Tootie” Heath. He Co-founded a band Black Note that won first place in the John Coltrane Young Artist Competition, and was a 1992 semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Drum Competition. By 1994 Black Note toured Europe and across the US as opening act for Wynton Marsalis. His work as sideman to vibist Milt Jackson is where he learned the importance of pacing and sensitivity. Jones was a contributing member to one of Arturo Sandoval’s Grammy award winning releases and Kurt Elling’s,
and Eric Reeds Grammy nominated recordings. He has worked with Sonny Rollins, Ernestine Anderson, Deborah Davis, Bobby Hutcherson, Wynton Marsalis, Cedar Walton, Frank Wess, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, Houston Person, Billy Childs, Eric Reed, Ryan Kisor, Eric Alexander, Bill Charlap, Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock and Hank Jones. His independent record label WJ3 continues to reveal his proficiency as a composer as well as a producer. www.williejones3.com