About

“I perform an artsy jumble of classical music, traditional jazz, and rock-and-roll.  Always interpreted in my own creative way,… meaning that I make lots of mistakes, improvise the spots I can’t remember, and often wander from song to song.  I practice early in the morning.  I play late.   I love what I do.“

Hal is a dedicated lifelong music student and performer who hails from Ann Arbor (go blue!) but can be also heard strumming in Naples or Charlevoix, depending on the weather.

Here’s What the Experts Say:

“Hal Davis has an exceptional ear for detail that comes through in his guitar playing.  It can be heard in his choice of material. He does not play the standard songs that most guitarists play. Hal will purposely seek out challenging material to convert into guitar arrangements and masterfully execute them.”   John E. Lawrence Guitarist/Author for Mel Bay Publications/Director of the Music Performance Program/Instructor - Washtenaw Community College

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Hal Davis every time I’ve seen him play.  He’s brings a great deal of craft to the stage; both as an instrumentalist and arranger.  His sometimes soulful, sometimes fun, always well-executed performances of both classic tunes and well-penned original songs are always an audience-pleaser.”   Jim Fleming, Fleming Artists

Who were your early influences?

“In addition to the Beatles, the first sounds that really grabbed me were Motown and soul music, especially Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and the fun superfunk of Parliament.  Then I discovered the jazz of the 60’s, starting with Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”.  But when I started taking guitar more seriously, I carefully studied Santana, Hendrix, and Wes Montgomery.  Later in life I got turned onto music of classical masters,… not so much the three B’s, but the three S’s: Stravinsky, Shostakovitch, and Smozart.”

Background

Hal started guitar around age eight, and is self-taught – mostly by listening to those old Beatles records.  In the mid-70’s he hooked up with Martin Simmons who taught him about arranging.  Their band, Bigfoot, was a Midwest dance club sensation.  At the turn of the century, after Hal’s big midlife transition, he started studying again in earnest, taking lessons from the amazing Larry Coryell (who is currently challenging him with the complex harmonies of Stravinsky).  He also learned LOTS from Ann Arbor buddies, John E Lawrence and Jake Reichbart.

I’ve never heard of this dude.  Is he really a pro musician?

Well, yes, but not always full time.  He was also a science nerd at the University of Michigan – couple of degrees, some research jobs, some teaching.  And he was head of marketing for two different public corporations.  And then CEO of a software company.  But now he’s back to music full time.  But he’s also nuts about his family, swimming and bicycling.

Why do you keep doing this?

“I’m starting to learn more, which lets me go farther.  But then i notice that there’s an ever-increasing amount to learn and experience.  So everything is always fresh and challenging.  Good news: it’s starting to get easier.  And my compositions are getting more original and interesting.  And more frequently I find those joyful moments where music performance becomes effortless, where I am the instrument and the music is playing me… And then there are those special times when, jamming with a band, an entire roomful of people – friends and strangers – come together to share a music experience – it’s truly amazing!”