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| Gregory Davis by Jeff Gottlieb | ||
| Central Park, New York City. On a
abnormally warm December day we followed the sound of Nyabingi
drums to find Algea, dreadlock Rasta percussionist. He
was playing to promote a concert that evening where he
would appear with the trumpet player Gregory Davis. The
last name may ring a bell for he is in fact the first
born son of one Miles
Davis. Gregory is carrying on the
legacy of his father not only by playing a muted trumpet
but also by experimenting in new musical directions. His music, Mental Fusion Transmutations, is currently being performed in N.Y.C. jazz clubs where he is accompanied by Algea on percussion, a hip hop DJ, a bassist, a guitarist and a spoken word artist. The sum of these forces is experimental and purely improvisational in nature. "It’s not about performance, it’s blending and building atmosperes". Gregory traveled with his father from the age of 12 and was exposed to many other great musicians as well from John Coltrane to Sammy Davis jr. He remains philosophic about playing in Miles’ enormous shadow. "I can’t be him but I can extend what he created and build on that strength. The knowledge will be lost if you don’t build upon what the master did." In concert Gregory plays some Jazz standards but he is definitely looking to the future. "We’re going into the year 2000, trips to Mars, we’re expanding the horizons of space why not expand the horizons of music." Gregory Davis is about using his music to open people’s minds and improve life on Earth. "People have to be optimistic and free thinkers. We should be kind towards each other on a daily basis. Love is the secret." |