Chad Davidson
A wicked mix of improv jazz and classical piano.

Chad Davidson weaves a wicked mix of improv jazz & classical piano, performing as a soloist throughout Northern California. While his primary instrument is the piano, originally it was the trumpet. As a child Mr. Davidson found he easily learned — by ear — listening to artists such as Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis and Dizzy Gillespie, replicating their licks and songs. Surrounded by family members who played a wide range of instruments as well as his grandfather who mastered the horn, music quickly became a passion. Being a shy and introverted kid, Chad realized he could use music to speak to people — to communicate on a soulful level.

Validation and an ovation from the unexpected.

Then Chad whispered to Chick, “I learned that one from you.”  Chick laughed and smiled. They played for about 5 minutes and received a standing ovation once they stopped. Chad was so overwhelmed by the experience, that to this day he cannot recall what they played. On his way back to his seat various audience members requested that he perform at their houses and local clubs. Music producers even handed out their business cards and requested he record with them.

It was in this moment Chad Davidson received validation that he was becoming the musician he intended to be.

An unforgettable evening with Chick Corea.

A highlight of Chad’s career was when he went to see his idol, Chick Corea, perform at the San Francisco Symphony. During this intimate solo performance Mr. Corea shared endearing stories of how his family found deep connection by sitting & playing the piano together. He went on to ask if anybody in the audience would want join him to experience what he meant. Without thought or fear, Chad raised his hand and Chick invited Chad to sit next to him at the piano. Chick comped the lower half of the piano, and then Chad began to mimic & improvise on the upper.

After playing a certain lick, Chad recalls Chick saying “Yeah man, way to go!”

Inspired by sensation, mood and the moment.

These days Chad finds himself inspired by people, random sounds, rhythms, various genres — often merging all to create a moving piano piece. Arrangements vary blending smatterings from his favorite composers as well as his own music charts. A few of his heroes include: Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Hiromi Uehara, and Chick Corea. When composing pieces Chad finds that he has an innate gravitation toward improvisational jazz, inspired by mood and experiences.

Often he will arrange & play what he is sensing at that moment.

A life of intense service, adrenaline and music.

After high school, Chad wasn't able to directly dive into studying music because he suffered a sudden injury which prevented him from pursuing the trumpet in college. Instead, he served his country. After Mr. Davidson returned from war, he found solace in satiating his adrenaline need with an exciting nursing career, professional mountain biking and by returning to his first love — music.

Chad has since taken courses at the California Conservatory of Jazz and received a certificate in General Music Studies, with a focus on arranging for piano, from the Berklee College of Music.


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