Born: May 9, 1981 Primary Instrument: Piano
Joe Davidian is a pianist of the highest caliber. His sense of swing, rhythmic interest and melodic interpretation rank him among the greatest jazz pianists of the day. Bill Barton of Seven Days writes, “Young pianist Joe Davidian…is already developing a reputation as one of the most promising new talents.” And of the Joe Davidian Trio, A.C. Hutchinson of The Times Argus writes, “It’s difficult to imagine a trio, famous or obscure, old or young, that sounds better…” The trio performs jazz standards as well as originals composed by all band members, shadowing the trio models of pianists Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Oscar Peterson. Joe comments, “My concept for the group is to promote the highest level of interaction through attentive listening in every moment. No single trio member should contribute more than one-third to the musical whole.” JD3 sets itself apart from other trios by focusing on space, swing and melodic integrity.
Born into a family of musicians in rural Vermont, Joe now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where he performs nightly with Nashville’s finest musicians. He has extensive experience as a performer, composer, educator, and accompanist, including performances with jazz greats Joe Lovano, Kevin Mahogany, and Tito Puente, to name a few. Joe has released two trio albums; his critically acclaimed debut, “For the Birds,” features intriguing original compositions, and “JD3: Live” captures an exciting live performance of jazz standards and originals. Both CD’s are available on the Sonic Mirage label.
Joe earned his Bachelor and Master’s of Music degrees in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Miami, where he met the other members of his trio, bassist Jamie Ousley and drummer Austin McMahon. The musicians made an instant musical connection as the rhythm section for the university’s top big band, and developed their trio concept by playing regularly at various Miami venues. They also discovered that they shared an interest in forwarding the art form of jazz through performance-based clinics, master classes, and private lessons.
JD3 has performed at numerous festivals, including Festival Miami and Vermont’s Discover Jazz Festival, and has been invited to perform at the Ballydehob International Jazz Festival in Ireland in May 2008. The trio has opened for Jane Monheit, Dianne Reeves and Danilo Pérez, and has backed a who’s who of jazz artists including Manuel Valera Sr., Dave Liebman, Carmen Lundy, Bob Mintzer, and Ira Sullivan.
Currently, the Joe Davidian Trio is performing around the U.S. and internationally, and regularly gives master class presentations on rhythm section techniques. In May 2008, JD3 will release Silent Fire, a new album featuring original compositions and innovative arrangements of classic songs.
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Primary Instrument:
Piano
Location:
Nashville, TN
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Teacher at Belmont University, Nashville; Nashville Jazz Workshop; private studio in Bellevue.
Has taught private jazz piano lessons, ear training, improvisation, and directed ensembles at the
University of Miami and the University of Vermont.
$50/hour base rate.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
The Joe Davidian Trio presents clinics at jazz schools on the art of improvisation and how listening and
interaction fuels creative improvisation. Emphasis on use of space, melodic embellishment and listening.
