Pianist/composer Scott D. Davis has
been referred to as “the rocker of new age/contemporary classical
music”. Perhaps New Age Reporter best described him by saying "his
exuberance and originality are invigorating and his upbeat attitude
contagious."
Interestingly enough, if you ask Scott about his musical background he
might surprise you. He comes not from a background of polished piano
music, but grew up a typical 1980's teenager strongly under the
influences of such progressive rock artists as Rush, Queensrÿche, and
Metallica. Scott pursued rock music as a career throughout his college
years, playing keyboards for a number of local bands.
It wasn't until his band's lead guitarist introduced him to the piano
music of David Lanz that he began to consider a career as a pianist.
"Prior to hearing David Lanz, my idea of 'solo piano' went no further
than classical music, a form of music I always appreciated but never
felt much connection with. Lanz's impressionistic style was at that
time unlike any music I had ever heard. Our guitarist brought me a copy
of 'Skyline Firedance', and the music grabbed me right away. I found
myself playing around with a few melodies at the piano and I just never
stopped."
After years of playing in smoky clubs and struggling to keep bands
together, Scott walked away from the rock band and the lifestyle that
seemed inseparable from it. Commitment renewed, he set out to record
his first solo CD, and in October of 2001 released a seven song EP
featuring piano, flute, and oboe simply titled "Piano &
Woodwinds". For nearly two years he endeavored to promote the CD and
his brand of "new age" music, but met with limited success. That is,
until a friend asked him for a favor. "A friend of mine was opening a
nature boutique in the local mall, and asked me if I would play in
front of the store for it's grand opening. She said she couldn't pay me
anything, but got permission for me to sell my CD". Scott agreed, and
in less than four hours of playing had sold over 50 CDs. "The idea of
playing at the mall didn't sound all that exciting to me. I've never
been happier to be wrong!" Realizing he was on to something, Scott
immediately began booking space in malls throughout California. He
continues to tour major shopping centers throughout the U.S., and it's
success has allowed him to release new albums at the rate of about one
every year. He's gone on to release three full length solo piano CDs:
2003's all original "Tahoma", 2004's holiday themed "Winter Journey",
and in early 2006 he reconnected with his rock roots to release
"Rockfluence", a solo piano take on some of his favorite rock songs. To
date, Scott has sold over 20,000 CDs, a remarkable accomplishment
considering he's done it without a promoter or a record deal.
In addition to performing in malls, Scott also plays several concerts
each year in halls that range in size from 300 to 500 seats. During a
benefit concert called "Piano & Ponytails", his 26-inch long
blond ponytail was shorn on stage for Locks of Love, a charity that
provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children throughout the U.S. who
suffer from long term hair loss. Scott's long hair, part of his
identity since adolescence, was given in the hope of providing a
healthy sense of identity for a child.
In March of 2006, Scott realized a long held dream of meeting and
performing onstage with Grammy nominee and platinum selling pianist
David Lanz, the man who's music first influenced Scott to pursue a
career as a pianist. "To have performed with David is literally a dream
come true, and now we're planning even more show's together! It's very
exciting." He's now shared the stage with David Lanz four times, and
many more shows are planned!
Scott is a featured performer on Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio, an
internet based broadcast that draws over 1.2 million listeners each
month.
Although solo piano music can be found in most any book or music store,
Scott D. Davis stands out. By successfully combining classical, new
age, and rock influences, he's defined a piano style that is as fresh
and invigorating as it is relaxing. "People are always asking me what
style of music I play. David Lanz coined the term 'Heavy Mellow' and I
think it fits perfectly. From now on when people ask, that's what I'll
tell them."