Born: October 29, 1952 Primary Instrument: Drums
N. Glenn Davis is a recording artist, drummer,composer, and educator. Davis's debut CD, The N Glenn Davis Quartet A Different View was released by the Jazzed Media label in 2007 and features ten of his compositions. Davis's 2009 release on Jazzed Media, The N. Glenn Davis Quintet Come Right In, features the legendary Phil Woods on alto sax, Mark Soskin on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, Jack Schantz on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Dave Sterner on alto and soprano saxophones.The quintet performs eight Davis compositions and two jazz classics. Glenn's latest release What Could Be is a piano trio featuring Mark Soskin, Peter Dominguez and Glenn Davis titled, “What Could Be”, on the Speak Jazz label.
Davis grew up in the Cleveland area studying drums with Bob McKee. Among his early influences were fellow Cleveland drummers Skip Hadden, Val Kent, and Jamey Haddad. He attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Degree in 1979. In addition to drums, his studies included arranging, harmony, and percussion studies with Gary Chaffee, Joe Hunt, and Dean Anderson. A highlight of Davis's education was studying with master drummer Alan Dawson who had a strong influence on his musical style. Davis lived and played music in Boston for eleven years cutting his teeth on the vibrant Boston jazz scene of the 70s. Davis performed around the city regularly with notable musicians, Mike Stern, Jeff Richman, Grey Sargent, Tiger Okoshi, Santi Debriano, John Lockwood, Neil Stubanhaus, Cathy Segal, Bill Molenhoff and John Licata among others.
Spending a few years in NYC, Davis had a long term engagement with Rino Minetti, freelanced extensively, and performed with The Benny Salzano Quintet. As a writer, he has had his solo transcriptions of Max Roach and Philly Joe Jones published in The Modern Drummer magazine.
Since returning to the Cleveland area in the late 80s, Davis has kept busy playing on the local scene, teaching music, and raising a family. Davis currently leads his own jazz quartet and quintet. He also freelances with several other groups, including The Joe Hunter Trio, John Morton, and The Dave Sterner Quintet. Davis earned his Masters in Music Education from The University of Akron, and balances teaching music in the Cleveland Schools with performing. Davis states, “I am enjoying writing music and having great musician play and record my compositions”.
“Glenn has not taken the easy path in just recording jazz classics, as on this Cd he wrote all but one if the compositions. What sets aside Davis' maiden effort is a maturity by it's leader in combining lyrical playing with classy arrangements.” --Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition
“The N. Glenn Davis Quartet... A wonderful jazz CD, well recorded with exceptional playing.” --classicdrummer.com
“If you dig some straight ahead playing by some cats who know how to make jazz sound like jazz, then A Different View is for you.” --Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz Newsletter
“It's really the material that's the star of Glenn Davis' new 11 track CD... the numbers have the easy charm and accessibility of standards.” --Anastasia Pantsios, Cleveland Free Times
“This CD represents a thoroughly professional mainstream group playing originals that show variety and are executed with skill.” --Cadence Magazine
“This is a highly accomplished debut, all original material, and played with a kind of easy confidence that only comes from regular gigging together.” --The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings
The N. Glenn Davis Quartet " A Different View"
Jazzed Media
2007
Tracks: The Happy People; Distant Celebration; Monday Night Jam; Sliding; In Pasing; Ashley's Samba; Hometown Waltz; Passion Walk; Eadie Is A lady; Bright Roads; It's Late.
Personnel: N. Glenn Davis: drums. Larry Porter: piano.Dallas Coffey: bass. Dave Sterner:saxophones
The N. Glenn Davis Quintet with special guest Phil Woods "Come Right In"
Jazzed Media
2009
Tracks: A Different Day; Come Right In; Fumba Rumba; Just A Tadd; Warm Smile; If You Could See Me Now; Wakin Up Blues; Time Remembered; Alex's Song; Minor Backup.
Personnel: N. Glenn Davis: drums. Phil Woods: alto saxophone. Dave Sterner: alto saxophone. Jack Schantz: trumpet/flugelhorn.Mark Soskin: piano. Dean Johnson: bass.
What Could Be - The N. Glenn Davis Trio
Speak Jazz
2011
Tracks: What Could Be; The Dolphin;Chutes and Ladders; North Coast;Blackberry Winter;Night Rain;17(Seventeen);Little One;Sometime Ago;.
Personnel: N. Glenn Davis: drums.Mark Soskin:piano. Peter Dominguez:bass..
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Primary Instrument:
Drums
Location:
Twinsburg, OH
Credentials/Background:
Bachelor of Music Berklee College of Music and Masters of
Music Education University of Akron. Recording artist,
composer, drummer, and educator.
Available for master classes, clinics and private instruction.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
N. Glenn Davis holds a Bachelor of Music from The Berklee
College of Music and a Masters of Music Education from The
University of Akron. Glenn is a versitle drummer, recording
artist, composer , and educator with a willingness to share his
experience and knowledge with students of all levels. Glenn's
years of private teaching combined with his teaching music in
the Cleveland Metropolitian Schools for twelve years make
him a highly valuable clinician.
Clinic topics may include, jazz improvisation, drumming
techniques and styles, ensemble performance. Clinics and
performances can be taylored for all age groups.
