Tony Davis
Guitarist, composer, and educator Tony Davis has been immersed in a wide array of musical genres throughout his life. As the son and first child of internationally renowned trombonist, composer, and educator Steve Davis and acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator Mary DiPaola, Tony was gifted an artistic foundation from the very beginning. A native of West Hartford, Connecticut, he initially played piano, several brass instruments, and bass before picking up the guitar at age 14. Inspired by iconic bluesmen such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix, Davis began his journey to develop his own unique musical identity.
Davis studied at The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in Hartford, CT, where he worked with esteemed musicians including Nat Reeves, Eric McPherson, Abraham Burton, Rene McLean, Javon Jackson, and his father. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, he then relocated to New York City, where he currently resides. Tony earned a Master of Music Degree on scholarship from The City College of New York, studying with contemporary masters such as guitarists Peter Bernstein and Paul Bollenback, and saxophonist Steve Wilson. He has also been mentored by notable guitarists Russell Malone, Bobby Broom, Dave Stryker, and Rich Goldstein.
Tony Davis performs regularly at New York’s premier venues including SMOKE, Ginny’s Supper Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Minton’s Playhouse, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola/Jazz at Lincoln Center. Outside NYC, he has appeared at The Side Door Jazz Club (CT), The Jazz Kitchen (IN), Infinity Hall (CT), and major festivals such as The Wes Montgomery Tribute Festival (IN), The Tri-C Jazz Festival (OH), The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (CT), The Newport Jazz Festival (RI), and The Center City Jazz Festival of Philadelphia (PA). He has shared the stage with jazz heavyweights including Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Antoine Roney, Mike LeDonne, John Lee, Eric Alexander, JD Allen, Joe Farnsworth, Ugonna Okegwo, Anthony Wonsey, and Dezron Douglas.
Davis’ debut album Golden Year (2020, Posi-Tone) features David Bryant, Dezron Douglas, and Eric McPherson, with guest appearances by Steve Davis, Steve Wilson, JK Kim, and Alina Engibaryan.
As an educator, Davis has contributed to the Artist’s Collective in Hartford, given private lessons, and conducted concerts and master classes with The Newport Jazz Assembly. His diverse musical influences shine through in his compositions, arrangements, and distinctive playing style.
Guitarist, composer, and educator Tony Davis has been immersed in a wide array of musical genres throughout his life. As the son and first child of internationally renowned trombonist, composer, and educator Steve Davis and acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator Mary DiPaola, Tony was gifted an artistic foundation from the very beginning. A native of West Hartford, Connecticut, he initially played piano, several brass instruments, and bass before picking up the guitar at age 14. Inspired by iconic bluesmen such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix, Davis began his journey to develop his own unique musical identity.
Davis studied at The Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in Hartford, CT, where he worked with esteemed musicians including Nat Reeves, Eric McPherson, Abraham Burton, Rene McLean, Javon Jackson, and his father. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, he then relocated to New York City, where he currently resides. Tony earned a Master of Music Degree on scholarship from The City College of New York, studying with contemporary masters such as guitarists Peter Bernstein and Paul Bollenback, and saxophonist Steve Wilson. He has also been mentored by notable guitarists Russell Malone, Bobby Broom, Dave Stryker, and Rich Goldstein.
Tony Davis performs regularly at New York’s premier venues including SMOKE, Ginny’s Supper Club, Smalls Jazz Club, Fat Cat, Minton’s Playhouse, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola/Jazz at Lincoln Center. Outside NYC, he has appeared at The Side Door Jazz Club (CT), The Jazz Kitchen (IN), Infinity Hall (CT), and major festivals such as The Wes Montgomery Tribute Festival (IN), The Tri-C Jazz Festival (OH), The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz (CT), The Newport Jazz Festival (RI), and The Center City Jazz Festival of Philadelphia (PA). He has shared the stage with jazz heavyweights including Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Antoine Roney, Mike LeDonne, John Lee, Eric Alexander, JD Allen, Joe Farnsworth, Ugonna Okegwo, Anthony Wonsey, and Dezron Douglas.
Davis’ debut album Golden Year (2020, Posi-Tone) features David Bryant, Dezron Douglas, and Eric McPherson, with guest appearances by Steve Davis, Steve Wilson, JK Kim, and Alina Engibaryan.
As an educator, Davis has contributed to the Artist’s Collective in Hartford, given private lessons, and conducted concerts and master classes with The Newport Jazz Assembly. His diverse musical influences shine through in his compositions, arrangements, and distinctive playing style.