J Sylvester explores the Contemporary Jazz field in his first ever debut CD… Read Full Bio ↴J Sylvester explores the Contemporary Jazz field in his first ever debut CD “Inside Out” under PobamMusic LLC, one of the most soul-filled, upcoming neo-jazz saxophonists. He was inspired by such saxophonists like Johnny Griffin, Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine, Hank Crawford, Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, and Everett Harp. J Sylvester’s has worked hard to establish a style of his own. His CD “Inside Out” exudes his passion from the first track to the last. Audiences are going to be easily seduced by the tone of his instrument.

Joseph Sylvester Davis III was born in Danville, Illinois. Having grown up in a minister’s household, Joseph started playing drums and saxophone in the church band at the age of 12. As saxophone began to gain more of his interest, he pursued the learning of that instrument more in Jr. High School. In 1985 he moved to Memphis, TN with his mother. This was the beginning of his journey to learning what “The Memphis Sound” truly meant. Joseph soon learned music theory from his high school band director Mr. Walter Banks. Although being offered several different musical scholarships from various schools, Joseph made the decision to pass on college to join the US Marine Corps. He auditioned for (and made) the military jazz band. The military opted to place him where they needed him. This discouraged him but he did not give up. He continued to play his saxophone throughout his 4 year military enlistment in the Marine Corps. After completing his 4 years of service, Joseph returned back to Memphis in 1994. This is when he got the courage to try out his craft on the stage. He went from venue to venue “sitting in” with various musicians. This was like going to “school” for him. Joseph was very determined to learn the numerous styles of blues and jazz. He began to learn from such saxophonists as the legendary Fred Ford (Founder of PobamMusic), Dr. Bill Heard, Donald Hayes, and Pat Register. He would later go on to learn from local jazz guitarist Marlon Branch and keyboardist Tony Black. In 1995 Joseph was asked to tour with the Rambo-McQuire ministry team from Nashville, TN. This led him to numerous opportunities, including appearances on TBN. So in 2000 Joseph moved to Nashville, TN. Joseph continued to “sit in” various venues in Nashville, TN, where he learned how to incorporate straight ahead jazz at “3rd and Lindsey”. He learned from saxophonist Rock Williams and Rod Allen. He returned back to Memphis, TN in 2002. His playing was vibrant and strong when he returned back to Memphis. Memphis proved to be Jazz dormant.

J. Sylvester moved from Memphis, Tennessee to Houston, Texas to further advance his career as a professional saxophonist. He established a very loyal following at venues like Isaac Hayes' Restaurant, New Direction's Soul Café, the infamous Beale Street, GoldStrike Casino (Tunica, MS) and Sam's Town Casino(Shreveport, LA). Since his arrival to Houston, J. Sylvester has the honor of performing on stages of Scott Gertner's Skybar, The Red Cat Jazz Café, 57 West and Grooves Restaurant and Lounge and performing with local musicians such as the incomparable Kyle Turner, Dean James, and The Joe Carmouche Band. Signed to PobamMusic, his eponymous debut album “Inside Out’ will be released July 2009.

-Digital EPK: www.sonicbids.com/jsylvester3
-Website: www.pobammusic.com/jsylvester
-Myspace: www.myspace.com/jsylvester3
-Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/jsylvester