Richard Davis

Excerpt from Forest Flower/reprise by Charles I. Loyd from the album Reminisces (Classics and Jazz and Life)

RICHARD DAVIS is well known throughout the music world for his success in bringing the bass to new heights as a solo instrument in both classical and jazz traditions. An artist par excellence in technique and range, Mr. Davis is well known among double bassists as one of the great pioneers of the instrument. Possessing rich symphonic training and a diverse background, he demonstrates extraordinary technique. He has played under the batons of Igor Stravinsky, Leopold Stowkowski, Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, and many others. On-stage after a 1975 concert in Boston, the great composer Igor Stravinsky walked through the orchestra to lay his hand on Mr. Davis' shoulder in a tribute rarely accorded a bassist--or any other orchestra member--by the Maestro himself. His technique does not overpower his imaginative interpretation. The list of contemporary artists for whom he has provided his rich, resonant bass sound includes: Stan Getz, Barbara Streisand, Sarah Vaughan, Kenny Burrell, The Manhattan Transfer, Eric Dolphy, John Lennon, Chick Corea, Bruce Springsteen, and a host of other notables.

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