Xavier Davis @ Rockford

It has been a great year working with Rockford's Jazz Band. Cullen has become a very dear friend to me and he is a miracle worker with these kids with the amount of time he has with them. Says a lot about how great he is at what he does. Most of all he really loves the kids! 

I was very excited when Xavier was going to be our guest artist this year. Xavier and I have been friends since we played together in the St. Cecilia Orchestra together in like 7th grade. Since then Xavier has traveled the world playing with all the masters of jazz. He is one of the great pianists of our time. 

I always feel bad for him when he has to play with me, but he could not be more kind to me. 

We don't talk often but when we do, we do life honestly together and are very transparent with each other. We celebrate the good times and support in the tough times. More than any other time in our fellowship, it really dawned on me how similar we are in personality. (not intellect or musicality) I asked a lot of questions of him this time and he was more than happy to share insights musically on how and why he does things. 

I absolutely love his whole family and they really are hometown heroes to me in the music world. 

Thank you for being so supportive Xav, and playing on my CD's! Here is our performance. A lot, I'd like a do over on but so blessed for the opportunity. That is followed with some pictures from years past. We both came into MSU the same year. 

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