All Jazzed Up

Kate Davis, 17, of West Linn, just released her first, full-length jazz album - another high note along her musical journey

By Nicole DeCosta

The West Linn Tidings, Oct 2, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Her enthusiasm for her craft is infectious.

“I want people to appreciate the art. I feel like it’s all about sharing with the audience and it’s hard because jazz is one of those art forms that is slowly dying,” Davis said.

But Davis’ world is alive with the sounds of music.

She’s mesmerized by Bill Evans — an influential U.S. jazz pianist from the 20th century known for his syncopated melodic lines — and U.S. bass player Scott Lafaro for his innovative approach brought to the mainstream decades ago.

She admires Diana Krall — Canadian jazz pianist and singer — because she’s “really smart about the business.”

And jazz is a business Davis hopes to be in her whole life. This first CD is just a stepping stone to future projects.

“It’s a great way to take record of what I’ve done so far. It’s a way to document myself right now,” Davis said. “If this is going to be a career — which I’m hoping — then the business of music is something to understand. It’s not the prettiest of things.”

Davis said she hopes to sell 1,000 CD’s by Christmas.

“Is that crazy?” she asked, smiling.

Since releasing her CD, Davis has learned how important promotion is.

“This is a hard business,” Davis said. “Mastering the craft is the most important thing. But, the beauty of music is there’s always room for improvement and it’s always evolving.”

Davis said she’s proud of the album.

“She doesn’t sound like she’s trying to impress, or make a statement, or trying to prove herself,” Day said. “Kate is a very serious musician — she works very hard at improving in any area she feels herself lacking. But she’s also a sweetheart — which makes her very easy and fun to work with.”

Ron Steen of Portland who played drums on her CD said he’s been booking her for gigs for nearly a year.

“She’s one of the most talented musicians I’ve come across — ever,” Steen said. “She has an extremely strong work ethic. Her mind is like a sponge in its ability to absorb new concepts and ideas.”

Davis comes from a musical family. Her dad plays the drums, one sister is a flautist, another sister plays cello and mom used to be the neighborhood piano teacher.

This week Davis performed live on KMHD 89.1 FM in Portland, played to a sold-out room at Jimmy Mac’s for her CD release party and hit high notes at Encore 310.

And then she did her homework.

Her drive to play to her own tune?

“There’s always that fear that people are going to forget about jazz,” she said.

The art form is her passion she said because it’s “very real.” And her CD is something she’s excited to share with anyone who’ll listen to her story.

“Who speaks to you? Everyone’s got different things to say,” Davis said, “and different ways to say (them) … This is me, right now.”

For more information about Kate Davis, visit the Web site at www.katedavismusic.com .

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