Davis Martin (drums)
| Davis Martin is the rhythmic powerhouse behind Grammy nominated singer/songwriter LeRoy Bell. He performed on LeRoy's 2007 release "Live In 3-D" and 2008's highly acclaimed "A Change Is Coming." They currently tour nationally as both a headlining act and support for legendary artists including Al Green, B.B. King, Etta James, India Arie, Joe Cocker, Train, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Gomez, Taj Mahal, and many others. The rock & soul trio performs at prestigious venues including The Fillmore West, Humphrey's by the Bay in San Diego, The San Jose Jazz Festival, The Paramount Theater in Seattle, B.B. Kings in N.Y.C, and The House of Blues in Chicago. |
Davis has also been performing in the band Maktub since '96. Maktub recorded their first nationally released record "Subtle Ways" in 1999 for which they were awarded "Northwest Soul Album of the Year" by the N.W. Grammy Association. By 2001 they had released their second record "Khronos" to critical acclaim. NPR featured the album on "All Things Considered" and The Washington Post heralded it a "soul rock masterpiece." Working with Grammy Award winning producers Bob Power and Joe Chiccarelli, the band released “Say What You Mean” in 2005. "Start it Over" released in 2007 with producers Steve
Fisk a d Stuart Hallerman. June 2009 has brought about the current release, "Five," produced by
Michael Cozzi.
Maktub have shared the stage with a diverse collection of artists such as The Dave Mathews Band, Coldplay, Def Leppard, Maroon 5, Earth, Wind and Fire, John Scofield and many others. Their songs are played all over the world and have been licensed to major motion pictures and network television shows including the movie "Traffic" and HBO's "The Wire." As an in demand studio session player, Davis is proud to have recently recorded an album/soundtrack for Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band. He has appeared on various compilation records and recorded numerous jingles and radio "beds." His feel and unique approach have been requested on records and demos for major label as well as independent
artists.
Davis has been a recognized judge at the Guitar Center regional drum championships and a requested clinician at Donn Bennett Drum Studios and RockSchool. Since '07, Davis has been the principal drum instructor at the Seattle Drum School, Georgetown. He currently has between 40 and 50 students ranging from beginning to professional as well as special needs students. He has continued his studies with Jason McGerr and currently with Seattle Drum School owner, Steve Smith.
Living just north of Seattle, Davis has been married since 2006. They have a little girl and another baby due in October '09.