Jeffery Davis
Jeffery Davis starts his musical studies very early, starting quickly on percussion. Conservatório Calouste Gulbenkian, Escola Profissional de Música de Espinho (EPME), Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espectáculo (ESMAE), Berklee College of Music, were the educational establishments where he passed and stood out as one of the best students.
He wins several awards from Berklee, namely: the award for Most Active Mallet Player; and the prize for academic excellence Dean of Curriculum. He also receives from IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) the award for Outstanding Musicianship.
In the United States he have the opportunity to work with jazz musicians, such as: Alex Terrier, Dave Liebman, Dave Samuels, Ed Saindon, Gary Burton, Hal Crook, Joe Lovano, Michel Camilo, Phil Wilson, Roswel Rudd, Steve Swallow, Terrence Blanchard, Vitor Mendoza.
"An exciting soloist with a winning open personality." - Phill Wilson (Berklee College of Music)
In Europe, he has played with musicians like: Afonso Pais, Alexandre Frazão, Anders Christensen, André Fernandes, Carlos Barretto, Daniel Bernardes, Darren Barrett, Demian Cabaud, Federico Casagrande, Fernando Ramos, Jaume Llombart, Javier Vercher, Marc Miralta, Marcos Cavaleiro, Michael Lauren, Myron Waldon, Nelson Cascais, Nuno Ferreira, Óscar Marcelino da Graça, Pedro Carneiro, Perico Sambeat, Sérgio Carolino, Voro Garcia.
He stands out, in the music community, as a composer, having written music for Kinetix Duo; Flux Ensemble; XL Trio; Drumming – Group Percussion; Quad Quartet; Pedro Carneiro / Jeff Davis Duo; Romeu Costa and Pedro Carneiro.
What distinguishes and makes each of his projects unique is the sonority fed by the vibraphone. His creative abilities, used in the compositions, reveal the depth to which jazz music can reach through the complex technical exercises that lead to the exploration and exhibition of individual and collective boundaries. The themes written by Jeffery Davis for ensemble denote a profound influence of scholarly chamber music and jazz; even within jazz there is an attempt to use a more modern and sophisticated harmonic style with a groove base often inspired by swing and more traditional styles.