Bob Davis

This pianist was directly inspired by the efforts of his mother, also a piano player who frequently hit the road with touring bands. Bob Davis began his music career as a drummer and by age 13 had been absorbed into a family band. Leaving home meant not only no longer backing up his mother, but a chance to play piano himself. Prior to starting his own group, which was active through the '50s and recorded for several small labels, Davis spent a couple of years gigging with Herbie Fields. The Davis group, featuring fellow Minneapolis jazzman Bill Blakkestad on drums, gigged frequently around the Midwest, including Chicago. With his drummer inclined to steal attention with solos in the style of Buddy Rich, the pianist also became known for technical mastery. It makes sense that two of the pianists that Davis picked out as influences over the years, Oscar Peterson and Bud Powell, are both known for technical virtuosity. While country & western music may seem like the opposite end of the spectrum, Davis has also dabbled down the road in Nashville. He established a relationship with guitarist and producer Chet Atkins on the 1953 Jazz from the Hills project that led to some other session work, a highlight of which is his cocktail piano goofs on sides by the insane song comedians Homer & Jethro. He should not be confused with the saxophonist and trumpeter Bob Davis who played in hundreds of bands in the '20s and '30s. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide