about craig

Craig Davis is an accomplished pianist on the jazz scene, with over three decades of professional experience as a performer and educator. Craig began piano lessons at age 5, and was mentored in his hometown of Pittsburgh by master drummer Roger Humphries (Ray Charles, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson). He completed his undergraduate degree in jazz studies from Indiana University-Bloomington, and his masters degree in JazzArts from Manhattan School of Music. After MSM, Craig toured with Artie Shaw Orchestra and joined trumpeter Sean Jones’ quintet ‘Mission Statement.’ He made his New York debut as a leader at “The Kitano” jazz club on Park Avenue.

Craig’s most recent recording, “Tone Paintings” (MCG Jazz), featuring jazz legends John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, received 4&1/2 out of 5 stars in Downbeat Magazine (see Reviews). In April of 2024, Craig performed a “Tone Paintings” recording release event at Birdland in NYC, with special guest Darmon Meader of New York Voices. In February of 2024, Craig’s jazz trio performed 6 shows with Washington Ballet at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Jazz Icons: A Fine Romance presented choreography by Jessica Lang, which received a positive review in The Washington Post.