Nathan Davis (saxophonist) facts for kids

Nathan Tate Davis (born February 15, 1937 – died April 8, 2018) was an amazing American jazz musician. He played many instruments, like the tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute. People knew him for his work with famous jazz artists such as Eric Dolphy, Kenny Clarke, and Art Blakey.

Nathan Davis's Musical Journey

Nathan Davis loved to travel. After World War II, he explored Europe and then moved to Paris in 1962. He was not just a musician; he was also a very smart scholar! He earned a special degree called a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology. This means he studied music from different cultures around the world.

In 1969, Nathan Davis became a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. He helped start their jazz studies program. This program was one of the first of its kind in the United States! He also created the University of Pittsburgh Annual Jazz Seminar and Concert. This was a big event for jazz music.

He also helped create the William Robinson Recording Studio at the university. And he helped set up the International Academy of Jazz Hall of Fame. This Hall of Fame is located in the school's William Pitt Union. He also helped create the University of Pittsburgh-Sonny Rollins International Jazz Archives. Nathan Davis retired from the Jazz Studies Program at Pitt in 2013. He also worked as an editor for the International Jazz Archives Journal.

One of Davis's most famous musical groups was the Paris Reunion Band (1985–1989). Many great musicians played in this band. These included Nat Adderley, Johnny Griffin, and Woody Shaw. Davis also toured and recorded with another group called Roots. He formed this post-bop group in 1991.

Nathan Davis also wrote different musical pieces. In 2004, he composed an opera called Just Above My Head.

Davis passed away in Palm Beach, Florida, when he was 81 years old.

Awards and Honors

On October 5, 2013, Nathan Davis received a special award. It was the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation's BNY Mellon Jazz Living Legacy Award. He received this award at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Discography

Nathan Davis released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his recordings as a leader:

• 1965: The Hip Walk
• 1965: Peace Treaty
• 1965: Happy Girl
• 1967: The Rules of Freedom
• 1969: Jazz Concert in a Benedictine Monastery
• 1971: Makatuka
• 1972: 6th Sense in the 11th House
• 1976: Suite for Dr. Martin Luther King
• 1976: If
• 1982: Faces of Love
• 1987: London by Night
• 1996: Nathan Davis
• 1998: Two Originals: Happy Girl & Hip Walk
• 1999: I'm a Fool to Want You
• 2003: Rules of Freedom
• 2006: Happy Girl
• 2009: The Best of 1965–76
• 2019: Live in Paris (The ORTF Recordings 1966–67)