Richard Davis
Richard Davis was born on April 15, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Tragedy struck his family early as his mother passed away during childbirth. Consequently, he was raised by his grandparents, Robert and Elmora Johnson. Growing up in the Chicago ghetto, Davis demonstrated an early interest in music, famously strumming on a broom until he acquired his first bass guitar. He became immersed in the sounds of the era, particularly the old recordings of iconic musicians like Louis Armstrong, which significantly shaped his musical style and aspirations.
Davis's professional music career took off in New York City, where he spent 23 years establishing himself as one of the world’s leading bass players. During this time, he became known as an acoustic-bass virtuoso, collaborating with a diverse array of artists across various genres. His versatility allowed him to perform with renowned figures in jazz and beyond, showcasing his talent and adaptability.
In 1977, Davis transitioned to academia, joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served as a Professor of Bass, Jazz History, and Jazz Ensemble for nearly 40 years, ultimately retiring in 2016. His influence extended beyond performing as he took on the role of an educator, imparting his knowledge and passion for music to students. Davis reflected on his experiences and contributions to the field, recognizing the importance of teaching the next generation of musicians.
Richard Davis is recognized not only for his exceptional talent as a musician but also for his significant impact as a teacher and mentor in the jazz community. His rich background, formative experiences in Chicago, and subsequent achievements in both performance and education have solidified his position as an influential figure in the world of jazz.
Dealin’
A2 Dealin' 6:07
A3 Julie's Rag Doll
Vocals – Richard Davis 5:40
B1 Sweet'n 3:57
B2 Sorta 3:15
B3 Blues For Now 11:06
Bass, Electric Bass [Fender Bass] – Richard Davis
Drums – Freddie Waits
Guitar – David Spinozza
Lacquer Cut By – sf
Liner Notes – Dan Morgenstern
Piano, Organ, Electric Piano, Clavinet – Paul Griffin
Producer – Don Schlitten
Recorded By – Paul Goodman
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Cowbell – Clifford Jordan
Trumpet, Tambourine, Cowbell – Marvin Peterson
Label: Muse Records – MR 5027
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Soul-Jazz, Contemporary Jazz
Richard Davis's 1972 album Dealin' is regarded as an exhilarating example of frenetic soul-jazz, praised for its "understated virtuosity" and the skill of its diverse ensemble.
The album is characterized as "frenetic soul jazz" and "radical mid-century jazz". It features high-energy post-bop compositions and is noted for its exceptional recording quality, with clear separation between instruments and an immersive "room" sound.
Richard Davis provides a masterful performance on both bass and vocals, specifically on the track "A-1". Critics have highlighted his "beautiful bowed bass" as a standout element of his style during this era. The tracklist includes soulful and intense pieces such as "Blue for Now," "Dealin'," and "Julie's Rag".
The album maintains a high reputation among jazz enthusiasts, with average ratings typically around 4 out of 5 stars on platforms like Discogs and Rate Your Music.
While Richard Davis is often better known as a sideman, Dealin' is frequently cited as a hidden gem in his solo discography, recommended for those seeking "exhilarating" and "fresh" jazz from the early 1970s.
dealin