Today we’d like to introduce you to Julio Davis.
Julio, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My father, Carl Davis, was a very successful music producer in the 60’s – 80’s. He had many hits including “The Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler, “Higher & Higher” by Jackie Wilson, “Have you seen her” by The Chi Lites, and many more. I grew up around musicians, music execs, and recording studios, but the music didn’t become my passion until my early twenties. I grew up a devoted member of the hip-hop community and when it blossomed, I blossomed with it. I started out as a rapper, then developed into a songwriter, producer, vibraphone player and sound engineer. My band, The J.Davis Trio, is a live hip-hop/jazz band and has released four albums with a fifth being released at the end of 2018. I’m also in a band named Poi Dog Pondering, which plays a variety of rock/soul music, and The Mourning Doves, which plays samba and bossa nova-esque music.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are always challenges. Finding the right people, finding your artistic style, acquiring the right equipment, mastering technology, finding the right industry network, continuing to grow and evolve…
It’s beautifully never-ending.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My band, The J.Davis Trio, is an all live hip-hop/jazz band with 8 members. I provide the lead vocals and play the vibraphone. The band is Sam Sharp on drums, David Smith on bass, Dave Winer on trumpet, Chris Greene on sax, Ryan Murphy on congas, Cara Dawn on back up vocals, and Rick Gehrenbeck on a keyboard. I’m most proud of the quality of music we maintain. I believe we stand out because of our precision and passion, and also because we genuinely love each other and it shows in the music and the performances.
What were you like growing up?
I was pretty much the same then as I am now, happy, passionate and fearless. I had very loving and generous parents, and I loved sports like baseball, tennis, and football. I also loved to read. I realized I was hip-hop to the bone at age 10 and immersed myself in the culture.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jdavistrio.com
- Email: jdavistrio@gmail.com
- Instagram: jdavistrio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-JDavis-Trio-226234782942/
- Twitter: @JDavisTrio
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
