String Theory: The Richard Davis Method

Overview

Thursday, June 13 • 7 PM • Lecture Hall • Free Admission

As part of the Madison Jazz Festival, MMoCA will be screening the documentary film String Theory: The Richard Davis Method (2024, 64 minutes) followed by a Q&A discussion about the life and impact of the legendary bassist.

Producer of String Theory and Artistic Director of the Richard Davis Foundation for Youth Bassists Peter Dominguez and director Michael Nielson will be joined by RDYB Executive Director Catherine Harris, RDYB conference coordinator Ben Ferris, and videographer (and WORT-FM Journeys into Jazz host) Chuck France for a Q & A about the film and a discussion of the life, career, and legacy of Richard Davis.

String Theory: The Richard Davis Method (2024, 64 minutes) is a heartfelt and inspiring documentary that delves into the life and legacy of one of the greatest bass players in history, Richard Davis. Set against the backdrop of the renowned Richard Davis Bass Conference for Young Bassists in Madison, Wisconsin, the film captures the essence of Davis’s profound impact on the world of music.

While Davis is most known for gracing the stages with music icons like Miles Davis, Van Morrison, and Eric Dolphy, his transition from a celebrated performer to a revered professor at the University of Wisconsin in the 1970s forms the crux of this story, highlighting his dedication to nurturing young talent.

Audiences are treated to exclusive interviews and candid footage of Davis and other legendary bass players passionately instructing students as young as elementary school. The film is a testament to the transfer of generational wisdom, showing these maestros shaping the next generation of musicians.

String Theory is particularly poignant following Richard Davis’ passing in Madison in 2023. It stands as a timeless tribute to his enduring influence and the unbreakable bond he forged between music and education. This film is not just about the notes played but the lives touched by a man who believed in the power of music to transcend boundaries and inspire dreams. (Source: FilmFreeway)