Xavier Davis

This is a special photo to me. It was taken Thursday night (by Caleb Elzinga) in front of St. Cecilia after the Delfeayo Marsalis concert. (Thank you Cathy Holbrook and Lazaro Vega for this series) It represents at least two things to me. First, it represents my long friendship with Xavier Davis. Xavier and I first met here when we were both in the jr. orchestra counting rests lol. Xavier played trombone and I played trumpet. Xavier has always been so kind to me and has even humbled himself to be on my CD's. After all these years I'm honored to work with him at MSU. It also represents that with hard work and dedication no matter where you are from, you can make it living out your passions. Grand Rapids has so much to offer and am so thankful for those that gave me a chance as a kid to share the bandstand even though I wasn't deserving. Xavier has toured the world many times and is regarded as one of the great jazz pianists of our time. I'm amazed everytime I get to hear him which is often now. I'm thankful for the Davis family who hold a very special spot in my heart. So it was sentimental for me, to be able to take a picture with Xavier where I first met him. I'll post more over the years later....