UPCOMING PROJECTS

July 21-23, 2017
Let the Good Times Roll
Charleston Music Hall | 37 John St | Charleston, SC 29403
All new for 2017! Producers Brad and Jennifer Moranz have created an entirely new show featuring the best of rock, pop and country! Show runs July 21-23 at the Charleston Music Hall.
James Davis Jr. serves as Music Director of Let the Good Times Roll.
PURCHASE TICKETS
PAST PROJECTS

JUNE 9-11, 2017
Music Workshop of Gospel & Spirituals
Bad Homburg, Germany
James Davis Jr. returns to Germany to explore the evolution of the American negro spiritual song genre and its indelible contribution to contemporary worship and spirituality. The workshop will take the form of a demonstration lecture and clinic, with a culminating concert with workshop participants.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017 | 7:30PM
The Saga of the Cross
The Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place | New York, NY 10030
Jazz pianist/Howard University professor, Cyrus Chestnut, will perform a powerful composition that he especially wrote for The Abyssinian Baptist Church, entitled “The Saga of the Cross.” This exciting celebration of Good Friday will feature a jazz trio, The Abyssinian Baptist Church choir and will be narrated by Tavis Smiley. Concert proceeds will benefit the AbyWest campaign for the church’s construction of a new Education and Cultural Center.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries and Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the conductor for “The Saga of the Cross”

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2017 | 3:00PM
The Dandy Lion Roars
University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum | 1301 Stanford Drive | Miami, FL 33146
IlluminArts, Miami’s Art Song and Vocal Chamber Music series, is proud to present an afternoon of songs celebrating the politically and socially illuminating photography exhibition, Dandy Lion: {Re} Articulating Black Masculine Identity. This performance will showcase classical art song and spirituals by African American composers and poets and features acclaimed baritones Kenneth Overton and Jorell Williams, accompanied by renowned pianist James Davis Jr., director of music at The Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2017 | 4:00PM
9th Annual Black History Month Celebration
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church | 521 West 126th Street | New York, NY 10027
The Harlem Chamber Players’ 9th Annual Black History Month Celebration will feature baritone Steven Kirby and pianist James Davis Jr. as well as members of The Harlem Chamber Players in music by George Walker, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds and spirituals.
James Davis Jr. serves on the board of the Harlem Chamber Players.

DECEMBER 8 – 23, 2016
The Charleston Christmas Special
Charleston Music Hall | 37 John St | Charleston, SC 29403
All new for 2016! Producers Brad and Jennifer Moranz have created an entirely new show of musical performances and comedy sketches — all with a holiday theme. Running Dec. 8-23 at the Charleston Music Hall, The Charleston Christmas Special is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
James Davis Jr. serves as Music Director of The Charleston Christmas Special.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 | 7:00PM
Annual Bach Concert
Broadway Presbyterian Church | 601 West 114th Street | New York, NY 10025
The Harlem Bach Project continues with an evening featuring conductor James Davis, Jr., mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford, pianist Eric Malson, violinist Belinda Whitney, oboist Gerard Reuter, and members of The Harlem Chamber Players in a concert featuring some of the most beautiful concertos and arias by Bach.
James Davis Jr. serves on the board of the Harlem Chamber Players.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2016 | 4PM
I, Too Sing America: An Artistic Tribute to the Victims of Police Brutality
The Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place | New York, NY 10030
I, Too Sing America features Janinah Burnett, Soprano with the Metropolitan Opera; Kenneth Overton, Baritone; James Davis Jr., Minister of Music & Fine Arts at The Abyssinian Baptist Church and Rashad Moore, Associate Minister also from The Abyssinian Baptist Church. This collaboration of spirituals, art songs, freedom songs and spoken word is meant to pay homage to those who have fallen due to the numerous acts of police brutality which have taken place in New York City and countless other cities around the U.S.
Hear an excerpt: Someday We’ll All Be Free

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016
American Choral Directors Association, Connecticut Chapter
Manchester High School | 134 Middle Turnpike E | Manchester, CT 06040
The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir, under the direction of James Davis Jr. will be a featured choir for the Connecticut ACDA’s Fall conference. James will also facilitate an interest session on the Negro spiritual, and an excerpt from an interview preceding the session can be found below
JDJ INTERVIEW

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 | 7:30PM
Listen to the Lambs
Woosley Hall | Yale University | 500 College Street | New Haven, CT 06511
The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir, under the direction of James Davis Jr. will present a full concert of music from the African American worship experience.

JUNE 10 – 13, 2016
Music Workshop of Gospel & Spirituals
Frankfurt, Germany
This special workshop/lecture is presented by JDJ Music and led by James Davis, Jr. The workshop will explore the evolution of the American negro spiritual song genre and its indelible contribution to contemporary worship and spirituality. The workshop will take the form of a demonstration lecture and clinic, with a culminating concert with workshop participants.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 | 4:00PM
8th Annual Black History Month Celebration
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church | 521 West 126th Street | New York, NY 10027
The Harlem Chamber Players 8th Annual Black History Month Celebration will feature soprano Janinah Burnett and pianist James Davis Jr. as well as members of The Harlem Chamber Players in music by Chevalier de St. George, John Carter and Nkeiru Okoye.
James Davis Jr. serves on the board of the Harlem Chamber Players.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 | 5PM
I, Too Sing America: An Artistic Tribute to the Victims of Police Brutality
Middle Collegiate Church | 112 2nd Avenue | New York, NY 10003
I, Too Sing America features Janinah Burnett, Soprano with the Metropolitan Opera; Kenneth Overton, Baritone; James Davis Jr., Minister of Music & Fine Arts at The Abyssinian Baptist Church and Rashad Moore, Associate Minister also from The Abyssinian Baptist Church. This collaboration of spirituals, art songs, freedom songs and spoken word is meant to pay homage to those who have fallen due to the numerous acts of police brutality which have taken place in New York City, NY., Ferguson, MO., and countless other cities around the U.S.
Hear an excerpt: Someday We’ll All Be Free
>>

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015 | 7:30PM
Messiah Sing In
David Geffen Hall | 10 Lincoln Center Plaza | New York, NY 10023
The National Chorale hosts it’s annual Messiah Sing In at Avery Fisher Hall. James Davis Jr. is one of the 17 distinguished conductors who will take turns conducting the 3,000 voice audience-chorus in Handel’s masterpiece. For more information, please visit nationalchorale.com
James Davis Jr. serves on the National Chorale Board.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 | 7:00PM
An Evening of Bach
Broadway Presbyterian Church | 601 West 114th Street | New York, NY 10025
The Harlem Bach Project continues with an evening featuring the two-time Grammy nominated pianist Terrence Wilson, with conductor James Davis, Jr., Mezzo-Soprano Lucia Bradford, and members of The Harlem Chamber Players in a concert featuring some of the most beautiful concertos and arias by Bach.
James Davis Jr. serves on the board of the Harlem Chamber Players.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 | 9:30AM
Music Workshop
Rye Country Day School | 3 Cedar Street | Rye, NY 10580
JDJ Music in conjunction with The Total Praise Ensemble of The Abyssinian Baptist Church will present a multi-genre concert and workshop to the lower, middle and upper schools of Rye Country Day School. The concerts will incorporate spirituals and gospel and include an age appropriate participatory (call and response) component and educational component speaking to the history of the spiritual and historical connection to the Underground Railroad. The culminating workshop, led by James Davis Jr. will feature the Rye Country Day School choir.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Carl Allen with Cyrus Chestnut
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
With over 200 recordings to his credit, the gifted Milwaukee-born, New York-based drummer, sideman, bandleader, entrepreneur, and educator, Carl Allen’s profound and propulsive percolation has provided soulful and syncopated support for nearly three decades.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.
Watch a clip of Carl Allen: Zildjian Performance
>>>

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 | 4PM
I, Too Sing America: An Artistic Tribute to the Victims of Police Brutality
Fordham United Methodist Church | 2543 Marion Avenue | Bronx, NY 10458
I, Too Sing America features Janinah Burnett, Soprano with the Metropolitan Opera; Kenneth Overton, Baritone; James Davis Jr., Minister of Music & Fine Arts at The Abyssinian Baptist Church and Rashad Moore, Associate Minister also from The Abyssinian Baptist Church. This collaboration of spirituals, art songs, freedom songs and spoken word is meant to pay homage to those who have fallen due to the numerous acts of police brutality which have taken place in New York City, NY., Ferguson, MO., and countless other cities around the U.S.
Hear an excerpt: Someday We’ll All Be Free
>>

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Nnenna Freelon
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
Six-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon has earned a well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer. In 2014, Nnenna starred in the critically acclaimed show “Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles” at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Nnenna is no stranger to the music of the master singer – she toured with Ray Charles, as well as many other greatest jazz artists including Ellis Marsalis, Al Jarreau, George Benson, and others.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 | 7PM
Migration Rhapsody: An Aleatoric Exploration of the Journey North through Music, Poetry, and Personal Narrative
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) | 11 W 53rd St | New York, NY 10019
James Davis Jr. performs in a multi-media concert of music and spoken word titled: “Migration Rhapsody: An Aleatoric Exploration of the Journey North through Music, Poetry, and Personal Narrative” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), in conjunction with the Jacob Lawrence “MIGRATION SERIES.” The SOLD OUT concert is directed and produced by Terrance McKnight and written by McKnight and Karen Chilton. The concert also features Chilton (narrator), Damien Sneed (piano), Nick Finzer (trombone), Ernesto Gomez (harmonica); Ricky Gordon (percussion); Alicia Hall Moran (vocals), Randall Haywood (trumpet), Bill T. Jones (narrator); Joseph Joubert (piano), Kevin Maynor (vocals), Jason Moran (piano), Nicole Phifer (vocals), Bill Sims, Jr. (guitars), Chaney Sims (vocals), Bob Stewart (tuba); Curtis Stewart (violin); Tuffus Zimbabwe (piano) and The Levites featuring Quinn Brown, Chenee Campbell, Lynette Rhett McNeil, Tiffany Stevenson and Matia Washington.
Watch the performace: Migration Rhapsody

SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2015 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring The Baylor Project
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
A husband. A wife. An astonishing duo: “The Baylor Project.” Marcus and Jean Baylor’s highly anticipated collaboration is deeply rooted in the heart and soul of Jazz. They each have recorded and performed with artists of the highest caliber including Yellowjackets, Kenny Garrett, Buster Williams, Cassandra Wilson and many others.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Kersten Stevens & Camille Thurman
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
Emerging from an accomplished classical foundation, Kersten Stevens has fostered a unique improvisational freedom that wows music enthusiasts. A catalyst for playing “outside” through risky music design, her performances are stimulating, high-energy, and inventive. Astonishing audiences with meticulous dexterity and beauty of expression, she creates an engaging interactive experience that leaves listeners wanting more.
Camille Thurman, multi-talented saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, composer and educator is a young musician emerging on the horizon, acquiring an impressive list of accomplishments that extend well beyond her years. Her lush, velvety, rich & warm sound on the tenor saxophone makes others to compare her sound to the likeness of tenor greats Gene Ammons and Dexter Gordon to name a few.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Nicole Henry
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
Since her debut in 2004, Nicole Henry has established herself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists. Ms.Henry possesses at potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance. Her repertoire includes the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz titles, contemporary’ standards, blues , and originals; while her accompaniment ranges from a simple jazz trio to a full big band.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring The Monty Alexander Trio
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
In a career spanning five decades, pianist Monty Alexander has built a reputation exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression. In the process, he has performed and recorded with a myriad of artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakesepare, and others.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014 | 7PM
Messiah Sing In
Avery Fisher Hall | 10 Lincoln Center Plaza | New York, NY 10023
The National Chorale hosts it’s annual Messiah Sing In at Avery Fisher Hall. James Davis Jr. is one of the 17 distinguished conductors who will take turns conducting the 3,000 voice audience-chorus in Handel’s masterpiece. For more information, please visit nationalchorale.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 | 7PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Imani Winds
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
More than North America’s premier wind quintet, Imani Winds has established itself as one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in the United States. Since 1997, the Grammy nominated quintet has taken a unique path, carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world with its dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming, adventurous collaborations, and inspirational outreach programs.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014 | 9AM & 11AM
Handel’s Messiah at Abyssinian
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
Handel’s Messiah at Abyssinian has become one of Harlem’s premiere holiday events/concerts. James Davis Jr. leads Abyssinian’s Cathedral Choir in part 1 of Handel’s great masterpiece. Admission is free & open to the public.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2014 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Brandee Younger and Ravi Coltrane
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
A versatile artist who has been proven to defy genres and labels, young harpist Brandee Younger has created a unique niche in both traditional and non-traditional harp arenas. In addition to expressively interpreting traditional harp repertoire, Ms. Younger is most recognized for working with jazz royalty as well as Grammy winning hip-hop producers and artists
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2014 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Stefon Harris
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris is heralded as “one of the most important young artists in jazz” (The Los Angeles Times). A three time Grammy nominee, six-time Best Mallet player by the Jazz Journalist Association and recipient of Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award, Harris earned a BM in Classical Music and an MM in Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

OCTOBER 17 – 19, 2014
Music Workshop of Gospel & Spirituals
Evangelische Kirchengemeinde Groß-Rohrheim | Erfelden, Germany
This special workshop/lecture is presented by JDJ Music and led by James Davis, Jr. The workshop will explore the evolution of the American negro spiritual song genre and its indelible contribution to contemporary worship and spirituality. The workshop will take the form of a demonstration lecture and clinic, with a culminating concert with workshop participants.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Jazzmeia Horn & Brian Owens
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
At the young and brittle age of 23, Jazzmeia “Jazz” Horn hailing from the great Dallas, Texas has already earned a reputation in New York City as a dynamic musician.
Over the past 6 months, Brian Owens has debuted at the Apollo Theatre, Jazz at Lincoln Center and toured internationally making his inaugural trip to Japan with sold out shows at the Tokyo and Nagoya Blue Note Jazz Clubs.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Bill Saxton & the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers All Stars
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
Bill Saxton was born in Harlem and attended NYC public schools. After graduating from The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston with a degree in Jazz Music, he went on to appear with and or record with jazz giants, such as Roy Haynes, Jackie McLean, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Count Basie Orchestra, Frank Foster, Carmen McRae, Mongo Santa Maria, Roy Ayers, Barry Harris, Tito Puente, Charles Tolliver, and others. Bill Saxton lives his African American heritage and represents Harlem at its best. He is Jazz.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.

AUGUST 1 – 2, 2014
Lagos Jazz Festival
Victoria Island | Lagos, Nigeria
The most highly anticipated jazz event in West Africa, Grammy award winning drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. leads a band of some of today’s top jazz musicians, including vocalist Alicia Olatuja, pianist Xavier Davis, trumpeter Bruce Harris, tenor saxophonist Ron Blake, and bassist Corcoran Holt.
James Davis Jr. served as the Artistic Director/Curator of the Lagos Jazz Series.

MARCH 25 – JUNE 8, 2014
Smokey Joe’s Cafe at Arena Stage
Arena Stage | 1101 Sixth Street, SW | Washington, DC 20024
Let Broadway director Randy Johnson, (One Night with Janis Joplin), transport you to the golden age of Rock, Rhythm and Blues with the hits of Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame legends Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Featuring Tony winner Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet), E. Faye Butler and Nova Y. Payton, Smokey Joe’s Café is packed with memorable tunes like “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Stand By Me” It’s no wonder this electrifying show garnered seven Tony nominations and became the longest-running musical revue in Broadway history!
James Davis Jr. serves as Associate Music Director of Smokey Joe’s Cafe.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014 | 4PM
Abyssinian Jazz Vespers featuring Steve Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet
Abyssinian Baptist Church | 132 Odell Clark Place (formerly 138th St.) | New York, NY 10030
The Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet is an ultra-tight ensemble that delivers melodic, rhythmically adventurous Afro-Cuban and Brazilian-inflected jazz of the highest order.
James Davis Jr. serves as the Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church and the curator of the Abyssinian Jazz Vespers.