American Jazz singer Deborah Davis will perform a number of concerts during the period between April 1-31 in Beirut, marking her first visit to an Arab city, according to the London-based daily al Hayat.
Davis will perform a number of her Jazz, Blues and Swing songs, as well as the Latin music which was introduced to the Jazz music in the 60s. The singer will be accompanied with the music players: Abbud al Saadi (bass), Arther Satian (piano) and Fuad Afra (Drums).
Davis credits the power and versatility of her voice to six years of classical training and to the wide variety of her singing experiences which include jazz, classical, gospel, pop, country, R&B, house, hip-hop and commercials. More than a decade on the New York jazz scene has given Davis a sophisticated poise that is tempered with sensitivity.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Davis, although not from a musical family, has been singing practically as long as she's been talking. Her formative years were spent singing in gospel ensembles, background vocals, commercial jingles and, leading R&B and jazz ensembles throughout the Dallas area. Davis earned a BME degree in vocal studies from North Texas State University and subsequently an AA degree in Recording Engineering at Cedar Valley College. In addition, she has studied acting and dance. At home in Dallas she gained invaluable experience leading her own bands in cabaret performances and opening for artist like Bobbi Humphrey, Debra Laws and Angela Bofill.
Her musical development brought her to New York City in 1986, where she has settled and carved out a niche for herself on the jazz scene. Davis’ distinct style of phrasing and extraordinary singing ability has earned her invitations to perform with legendary jazz greats such as Ray Brown, Lionel Hampton and Clark Terry. In Addition, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, Lou Donaldson and Harold Mabern have all shared their stage with Davis on occasion. Her performances have generated rave reviews from the New York Times, New York Newsday and The Amsterdam News as she performs regularly with New York’s premier jazz musicians such as Delfeayo Marsalis, James Williams, Cyrus Chestnut, Marc Cary and Ron Affif to name a few. She has sung on the stages of very well established jazz clubs and concert halls including The Blue Note, The Village Vanguard, Sweet Basil, Tavern On The Green, The Rainbow Room and Windows Of The World.
Davis gains international recognition during extensive tours annually of Europe and Asia. She has performed with The Shirells (Singapore tour), Steven Scott Orchestras, Hank Lane Orchestras, The Supper Club Orchestra and many others. She has continued her theatre work with performances in Beehive (Japan tour), One Mo Time (NYC) and Sh-Boom (NYC).
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
