Kris Davis
Kris Davis is a Grammy award-winning pianist and composer described by The New York Times as a beacon for “deciding where to hear jazz (in New York) on a given night.”Davis has released 24 recordings as a leader or co-leader and collaborated with artists such as Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Holland, John Zorn, Craig Taborn, Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey, Julian Lage, esperanza spalding, Johnathan Blake and Robert Hurst. She was featured on the cover of Downbeat magazine in September 2023 and was named a 2021 Doris Duke Artist alongside Wayne Shorter and Danilo Perez, Pianist of the Year by DownBeat magazine in 2022 and 2020, and Pianist and Composer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2021. Davis’ latest release, Diatom Ribbons Live at the Village Vanguard, was voted best album of 2023 by NPR and PopMatters among others.
Originally from Calgary, Canada, Davis moved to New York City in 2001 to pursue a music career. Before moving, she attended the Banff Centre for the Arts summer workshop, a camp hosted by world-renowned artists who introduced Davis to improvised music and many like-minded musicians. She was curious to learn more about this way of making music, and when Davis moved to New York, she sought out the free improvising music scene in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Davis found that improvisation and composition allowed her to incorporate all her influences, especially mainstream jazz and contemporary classical music, into her sound while working collaboratively with her fellow musicians. Davis attributes her musical growth and career to that formative experience at the Banff Centre. She hopes that the IMCCW will similarly serve as a catalyst for aspiring young artist, providing them with inspiration and guidance as they navigate their own music careers.
Apart from her artistic endeavors, Kris Davis holds the position of Associate Program Director of Creative Development at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. The institute is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the realm of jazz. Additionally, Davis is the founder of Pyroclastic Records, a label committed to nurturing and championing creative and adventurous artists. Notably recognized as a Steinway Artist, Davis continues to make significant contributions both as a musician and in her roles supporting inclusivity and innovation in the world of jazz.
Angelica Sanchez
Pianist/Composer/Educator Angelica Sanchez moved to New York from Arizona in 1995. Since moving to the East Coast Sanchez has collaborated with such notable artists as Wadada Leo Smith, Paul Motian, Marilyn Crispell, Richard Davis, Chad Taylor, Jamaladeen Tacuma, Brandon Ross, Terry Jenoure, Nicole Mitchell, Rob Mazurek, Mario Pavone, Ben Monder amongst others.
Her music has been recognized in national and international publications including Jazz Times, The New York Times, Down Beat, Jazziz and Chicago Tribune amongst others. She was also the 2008 recipient of a French/American Chamber Music America grant, the 2011, 2024 Rockefeller Brothers Pocantico artist residency, The 2021 Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice Score Compilation Grant and the 2022 Civitella Artist Fellowship, Italy.
Sanchez’s debut solo CD “A Little House” was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition and her recording “Wires & Moss” featuring her Quintet was chosen as one of the best Releases of 2012 in “The New York City Jazz Record (formerly AllAboutJazz-New York).” Her recording “Twine Forest” a duo with Wadada Leo Smith received Honorable Mention as one of the best releases of 2013 in “The New York City Jazz Record.” Her piano duo with Marilyn Crispell “How to Turn the Moon,” was voted as one of the top 50 best recordings in 2020, NPR critics poll. Her recording with Billy Hart and Michael Formanek entitled “Sparkle Beings,” was chosen by The New York Times as one of the top ten Jazz recordings of 2022. Her Nonet recording, “Nighttime Creatures,” was chosen as one of the best Jazz recordings of 2023 in Downbeat and the The New York City Jazz Record and featured on NPR’s Fresh Air, 2023.
Angelica Sanchez has a master’s degree in Arranging from William Paterson University. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Bard College.