Steve Davis is widely regarded one of today's leading voices on the trombone. Davis first gained widespread recognition with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (‘90) composing the title track of Blakey’s last album, One For All (A&M). In the years since, Steve has worked with a broad range of jazz luminaries such as Jackie McLean, Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton’s World of Trombones, Cecil Payne, Horace Silver, Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Roy Hargrove, Willie Jones III, Joe Farnsworth, Eric Alexander & One For All. Davis has also been a steady member of big bands led by Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, Christian McBride and John Lee & The Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars. Steve has appeared on The Jimmy Fallon Show with Stevie Wonder and at The White House Tribute to Ray Charles (PBS).
Davis plays on over 200 recordings, including 20 as a leader. His recent releases on Smoke Sessions include "Meets Hank Jones Vol.1 & 2", featuring Steve in a trio setting recorded in 2008 with renowned bassist Peter Washington & legendary pianist Hank Jones and "We See", which features Davis in a live setting along with a stellar lineup including Eddie Henderson, Ralph Moore, Renee Rosnes, Essiet Essiet and Lewis Nash. Additionally, Davis and pianist David Hazeltine are featured on the cooperatively-led CD "Primary Influences" (Cellar Live). These albums have all received extensive critical acclaim. Steve’s original composition, “Optimism" appears on the McBride Big Band’s Grammy Award winning release Bringin' It (2018). Davis also received a Grammy for playing on Chick Corea’s Spanish Heart Band release “Antidote” (2019). Davis collaborates with his wife, vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis on her debut "Where Is Love" (WJ3 Feb '24) which also features his son, guitarist Tony Davis.
A long-time educator, Steve has guided generations of emerging musicians including a 31-year tenure at The Hartt School's Jackie McLean Institute, University of Hartford, CT where he was honored as '23 Alumni Of The Year. Currently, Davis is Full Professor of Trombone at the Berklee College of Music and is Adjunct Professor of Trombone at Purchase College, SUNY.