Orbert Davis
A conversation with composer, trumpeter and orchestra leader Orbert Davis in advance of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s performance of his soundtrack for the critically acclaimed television documentary DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis.
Robbie Ellis talks to Orbert Davis about his life, his career, the many styles he’s written and played, and the many collaborators he’s worked with.
FEB 1: WFMT hosts Orbert Davis and his Chicago Jazz Philharmonic co-founder Mark Ingram in a free virtual event. Click here for more information.
Sample the documentary score below!
Playlist
Orbert Davis: Paradise Blue:
Trumpet Prologue; “Bottoms Up” (excerpt)
Orbert Davis, trumpet; Chicago Jazz Philharmonic members
From the album Paradise Blue (3Sixteen Records [CD-31609], 2017)
Byron Burke, Orbert Davis, Mark Ingram & Byron Stingily: Superficial People
Ten City
From the album State of Mind (Atlantic 7567821462, 1990)
William Russo: Chicago Suite No. 1:
II. “Henry ‘Red’ Allen”
Chicago Jazz Ensemble; William Russo, director
Orbert Davis, solo trumpet; Billy Rogers, solo baritone saxophone
From the album The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (Chase Music Group CMD 8052, 1997)
Orbert Davis & Mark Ingram: Double Blues
Kurt Elling, vocals; Orbert Davis, trumpet; Ryan Cohan, piano; James Cammack, double bass; Ernie Adams, drums
From the album Priority (3Sixteen Records CD-31601)
Orbert Davis: An Afternoon with Mr. Bowie (after Stravinsky):
Part 1
Ari Brown, tsx; Chicago Jazz Philharmonic; Orbert Davis, conductor
From the album Collective Creativity (3Sixteen CD-31604, 2008)
Orbert Davis: The Chicago River:
V. “The Eighth Wonder”
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic; Orbert Davis, conductor
Stephen Eisen, solo tenor saxophone
From the album The Chicago River (3Sixteen CD-31610, 2019)
Orbert Davis: DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis:
“DuSable to Obama” (Main Theme)
“Mahalia”
“Robert’s Show Lounge”
“Truth Be Told (60s Heat)”
“The Saga of Emmitt Till”
“Panthers”
“Prelude for Harold”
“Blues for the President”
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic; Orbert Davis, trumpet and conductor
From the album DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis Original Soundtrack (3Sixteen CD-31605, 2010)
Orbert Davis: Havana Blue Suite:
VI. “Havana @12”
Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
From the album Havana Blue (3Sixteen CD-31608, 2016)
Count Basie arr. Orbert Davis: Going to Chicago
Terisa Griffin, voice; Chicago Jazz Philharmonic; Orbert Davis, conductor
From the album Collective Creativity (3Sixteen CD-31604, 2008)
