Kenny is a native of Chicago, Illinois. Kenny's career began with listening to such great R&B artist such as: Earth Wind and Fire, Brother Johnsons and The Temptations, just to name a few. First being self taught, he then studied music theory with Davis Holder, Sr. He went on to Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. Upon entering Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), he discovered jazz and he quickly became part of the Chicago jazz scene, playing with Von Freeman, Ari Brown, and Fred Anderson. Later, he went on to study classical bass with Warren Benfield of the Chicago Symphony for many years and had a number of lessons with Jeffrey Bradetich. Some of his jazz bass influences are: Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Dave Holland, and Ron Carter. In addition, he also was influenced by the following electric bassists: Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and Verdine White. He moved to New York in 1986, where he played with the group Out of the Blue (OTB), and then quickly adapted to the New York scene. While there, he also made a living by doing sessions and jingles. In New York, he began appearing with such artist as Freddie Hubbard, Cassandra Wilson, Abby Lincoln, Dianne Reeves, Herbie Hancock, and Art Farmer, while studying bass with Ron Carter. One of the highlights of his career was being a music arranger for a song on the Grammy Award CD by artist Cassandra Wilson, "Blue Light Til Dawn." Through out the 90's Kenny toured with such notable jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, and Art Farmer. In 1999 Kenny recieved the call from Kevin Eubanks, then band leader/music director of The Tonight Show Band with Jay Leno. Kenny was the bassist of The Tonight Show Band from September, 1999 thru March, 2002. In June, 2002, Kenny Davis moved back to New York and he is again touring, recording and teaching. Kenny was the bass teacher at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) from 2003 thru 2009. Also, in May 2006 Kenny received his Master of Music (MA) from Rutgers University. In 2009 Kenny released his first CD as a leader. This CD features: Onaje Allan Gumbs & Geri Allen, Piano; Ralph Peterson, Jr. & Billy Kilson, Drums; Javon Jackson & Ralph Bowen, Tenor / Soprano Sax; Don Byron, Clarinet / Bass Clarinet; Eddie Allen, Trumpet; David Gilmore, Guitar; Produced by Onaje Allan Gumbs.
The CD is titled: Kenny Davis
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