Grammy award-winning pianist Kris Davis plays the National Concert Hall's Studio Space, Dublin on 19 March. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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Kris will be joined by her band - DoYeon Kim (gayageum) and Tom Rainey (drums) - for the gig.
She has released 24 recordings as a leader or co-leader and collaborated with artists such as Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, John Zorn, Craig Taborn, Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey and Esperanza Spalding.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was born in Vancouver.
I started studying classical piano at the age of six.
I am the Associate Program Director of Creative Development at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice.
How would you describe your music?
My music is an amalgamation of influences. Although I come from a jazz and classical background, I draw from groove-based genres like R&B and rock, world music from places like Pakistan and Africa, and the sounds I hear in everyday life, such as bird calls, wind, and traffic.
Who are your musical inspirations?
There are too many to name here, but here are a few: Herbie Hancock, Gyorgy Ligeti, Thelonious Monk, Carla Bley, Beyonce, Olivier Messiaen, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Paul Bley, Morton Feldman, Keith Jarrett, John Cage, Geri Allen and Luciano Berio.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Stevie Wonder’s world tour - live in Calgary in 1988 at eight years old.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Keith Jarrett Live at the Deer Head Inn.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I Gotcha by Lupe Fiasco.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I don’t know why, but I can’t hear or connect with lyrics. I seem to mainly connect with the music, so I can’t name a favourite.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dancing In Your Head - Theme From a Symphony by Ornette Coleman.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Alan Corr
