Multi-Grammy
Nominated Producer & Keyboardist Chris “Big
Dog” Davis Releases
Shanachie Debut As A Solo Artist; Star-Studded
Affair Features Guests Maysa, Dave Koz, Kim Waters, Gerald Albright,
Rick Braun, Nick Colionne, Bluey & Others!
Few artists are equally captivating behind the
scenes and on the stage. It requires a certain amount of vision, keen
musicianship and discipline. On Focus, all of these skills coalesce to create a
thrilling 11– track experience that demonstrates the type of magic that multi
Grammy nominated keyboardist and producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis’ has brought to
other artists as a producer. His Midas touch has added finesse to endeavors by
Brian McKnight, George Clinton, Will Downing, Syleena Johnson, Chanté Moore,
Maysa, and numerous others. As he takes center stage for the first time on
recording, his wizardry blesses an entire album of inspirational and moving
originals.
“This experience has really been exciting and rewarding. My hope is
that people will enjoy coming into my musical world and getting a deeper
glimpse into who I am and all of the music that has influenced me from Jazz,
Funk Gospel and Pop,” says Davis, who has produced 17 #1 hits on the
Contemporary Jazz charts. Danny Weiss, VP of Jazz A&R states, “Chris has
been our go-to producer for everyone from Kim Burrell to Maysa to Norman Brown,
just to name a few. We're thrilled to be releasing his first solo album, so
that the world can witness the full expression of his artistic talent.”
“The idea
behind Focus was to create music with some of my favorite people. It also
served as a reminder to keep your eyes on a prize and to let our dreams become
our reality,” shares the handsome and amiable 6’3” bodybuilder who spent a
stint in the Marine Corps. The Waterbury, CT native drew from diverse
influences like Miles Davis, Chaka Khan and George Duke and even his own
Zen rooted philosophy to living
life. Focus joins Davis with a cadre of
the best working artists in Contemporary Jazz including Kim Waters, Gerald
Albright, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Maysa, Bluey and Nick Colionne. “It is so
humbling to have all of these artists join me on this project. Every single one
of them came bearing gifts that make this album so special,” shares the
keyboardist.
Focus opens
paying homage to the ‘Queen of Funk’ with the Doheny/Stuart Chaka Khan hit
"Whatcha Gonna Do For Me." “Big Dog's” sophisticated and in the
pocket-groove on this favorite R&B jam unites him with saxophonist Gerald
Albright. The duo scored a Grammy nomination in 2015 for their collaboration
Slam Dunk. The title-track is a fitting motivational anthem, as we face the
challenges of our current time. Powered by the dynamic duo of Maysa and Bluey,
“Focus” is a potent reminder to focus on the things that truly matter.
The ethereal
Zen ballad, “One Day At A Time” reminds us to be mindful as “Big Dog’s”
cascading piano lines take flight with Rick Braun’s sailing trumpet to perfect
effect. The song takes inspiration from conversations Davis has had with his
limo driver Max. The gospel-tinged “You
Are Loved,” inspired by George Duke and featuring bassist Ace Livingston,
brings another layer of beauty into focus, while the jubilant “Silver Street,”
featuring saxophonist Marty Quadrato, transports us down a winding road of joy.
The composition “It’s All Love” is named after one of the Davis’ favorite
sayings. He unearths a mountain of emotion on this track that unites him with
saxophonist Dave Koz as they create one of the most memorable moments on the
album. Focus also showcases the sensual "You Just Smile," featuring
guitarist Tony DePaolo. “We are all so stressed and rushing from one place to
the next and this song is just a reminder that the world would truly be a
better place if we would all just take a moment and smile,” shares Davis,
devoted father to five daughters. A pleasant surprise on Focus is the
composition “Natural High” which takes inspiration from Miles Davis and finds
“Big Dog” taking us down a bluesy bend as he stretches out and gets loose for
this soul drenched number. ‘Big Dog’ kicks it up a notch on the dance-inspired
“Fall Back” while "Just When You Thought You Had Enough," featuring
guitarist Nick Colionne, serves up a sweet groove with the perfect combination
of funk and soul. The album ceremoniously closes with the show-stopping
finisher "Blue Light Special" showcasing Kim Waters.
A native of Waterbury,
CT, Chris “Big Dog” Davis’ early beginnings were immersed in music. He began
studying piano at age four. His mother was the choir director at Refuge Church
of Christ where he played in the band seven days a week. He was later recruited
for a gifted after school program at Yale University where he studied classical
composition. By sixteen, Davis had recorded his first 45 Gospel records with
his church youth choir entitled “Lord, Who Shall Abide” and “He’s The Only
One.” Davis would go on to study with famed altoman Jackie McLean at the Hartt
School of Music. It was a time when Gospel, R&B, Jazz, and Hip-Hop were
cross-fertilizing and Davis was finding his own voice where his arpeggios came
accented with back-beats and flat sevenths. In 1995, he landed the opportunity
to work with Brian McKnight and appeared with him on The Arsenio Hall Show, The
Tonight Show, and The Rosie O’Donnell Show. Throughout Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis’
career he has always reveled in the opportunity as he put it to “hear the music
and become the architect that helps the artist achieve their sound and vision.”
His unique gift has afforded him the opportunity to remain busy the past two
decades working with Will Downing, Kim Waters, Kim Burrell, Maysa, Phil Perry,
Avant and countless other artists. This time around on Focus, “Big Dog’s”
canvas has come into sharp focus and the details of his artistry leave no doubt
that he is a force to reckon with.
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