ABOUT

With a personality and stage presence even bigger than his 6'4" frame, New Orleans native Davis Rogan cannot be encapsulated by mere words on a page. However, if you desire a hint of the flavor of his signature sound, you might try:

• a base of classic New Orleans rhythm and blues after the styles of Professor Longhair and Fats Domino;

• a hearty seasoning earned by a lifetime listening to, befriending, learning from and performing with New Orleans greats such as Kermit Ruffins, John Boutte, Lionel Batiste, Kirk Joseph and Shannon Powell;

• a soupcon of Randy Newmanesque irony and self-deprecation. For over 30 years, Davis has played and taught music and been involved in broadcast media.

MUSIC

• Creator, front man, lyricist, producer and keyboard player for All That, a seven-piece jazz, funk, brass band and rap hybrid active since 1995. Played clubs and festivals, toured United States. Released three recordings.

• Creator, front man, lyricist, producer and piano player for the Davis Rogan Band, active since 1999. Played clubs and festivals, toured United States and Europe. Released three recordings.

• Solo piano performances since 1993.

TEACHING

• Taught music in Orleans Parish Public Schools since 1995.

• Developed curriculum about classic New Orleans rhythm and blues in conjunction with Preservation Hall.

• Received grant from City of New Orleans to bring rhythm & blues curriculum to Title 1 schools.

RADIO

• At age 10, was very excited to read public service announcements for WTUL. (It would not be until years later, when he learned what “VD” stood for, that he fully understood the nature of these announcements).

• On WWOZ, created The Brass Band Jam, a show celebrating the modern brass band sound. When the brass bands added bounce rappers, Davis championed this evolution and was promptly fired for playing rap.

FILM & TELEVISION

• HBO’s Treme: Songwriter, scriptwriter, consultant, character muse and actor.

• Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover: Featured guest.

• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Brad Pitt’s piano coach and hand double.

• Queen of the South: Piano coach.

PODCAST

• DJ Davis’ Tasting Notes. Davis interviews musicians about food and chefs about music.