Biography

Josh Davis is one of the premiere drummers from the mid-west, now based out of New York City. Growing up amidst some of the best Jazz musicians in the world, the city of Detroit served as a home and learning environment for the young drummer. After graduating high school in 2002, Josh received a scholarship to attend Michigan State University and join one of the top Jazz programs in the nation. Studying under the tutelage of Professor Rodney Whitaker (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra) and Randy Gelispie (Wes Montgomery & Sonny Stitt Quartet), Josh went on to receive his B.A. in Music Performance and Jazz Studies in 2008. Besides working and learning beside his mentors, Josh has also worked and performed with local and international acts such as: James Carter, Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson, Wynton Marsalis, The Alex Graham Quintet, Andre Hayward, Derrick Gardner, Vincent Gardner, Wycliffe Gordon, Stacy Dillard, The Scott Gwinnell Big Band, Kris Johnson Music Ensemble, Jason Marshall & Overt Negritude, Wayne State University Jazz Band, MSU Jazz Octet I, Rick Roe, Vincent Chandler & Urban Transport, The Jesse Palter Quintet, The Mike Jellick Quartet, The Grand Hotel Big Band and The Rodney Whitaker Trio & Quartet.

Josh has also been a music educator since the age of 19. Some experience includes: Teaching private lessons, master classes, clinicians, mentor for The Arts League of Michigan Jazz Program, mentor for The Detroit Symphony Orchestra CIVIC Jazz Program, mentor for Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and performer/educator for US Cultural Exchange to Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, Kyoto & Tokyo High Schools and Universities in Japan.

Josh has definitely earned his spot among the working and teaching musicians in the jazz-rich city of Detroit and New York City, where he now lives and works. He continues to play and tour with his own groups “The Josh Davis Trio” and “Josh Davis & The Nu-Jazz Collective” everywhere from Detroit to New York City.