Kevin G. Davy

Kevin G. Davy is a UK-based trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose career spans jazz, improvised music, electronica and performance art. Born in Nottingham in 1961 to Jamaican parents, his route into music was via youth marching bands. His time at Manchester Metropolitan University in the mid-80s cemented his love of the jazz and experimental scene, leading ensembles, running jam sessions and performing regularly at venues like Band on the Wall and P.J. Bells. He studied improvisation under Colin Stansfield and was named Manchester Jazz Musician of the Year in 1992.

In 1994, Kevin relocated to London to join the Donmar Warehouse production of The Threepenny Opera. He continued hosting jam sessions in both London and Manchester, and worked on collaborative projects with poets such as Lemn Sissay and SuAndi, including across Brixton’s spoken word scene.

A key moment came in 1996 when he was invited to record and tour with Lamb. His trumpet became a core part of their sound, and this collaboration continued over several albums and international tours. He has also collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Adam F, SUGIZO, Hideaki Takahashi (MJUC), and Finley Quaye, and toured with the show Afrika Afrika in the UK and Europe.

As a bandleader, Kevin has taken his groups to France, the Netherlands, India, Sri Lanka and the Middle East, and released three albums of his own: D’semble (1992), The Thoth Project (2006) and 81 Miles via Hulme (2022), made with producers Patrick Seaman and Rex. He’s also teamed up with Yorkshire producer Robert Burbidge and US vocalist and pianist Winter on the 2022 release, 11 Squares.

Beyond live performance, Kevin continues to explore the trumpet’s role in soundscape and multimedia work. He has collaborated with filmmakers Julian Knoxx and multimedia artist Chris Zhongtian Yuan, and often works with visual artist Cath Johnson on live improvisation and performance events.

Kevin’s trumpet can also be heard on recordings by Inca Babies, Harry Stafford, Vee VV, and several drum’n’bass producers. He regularly collaborates with jazz vocalist Collette Cooper and has been a member of the legendary British funk group Cymande since 2016.

Photo credit: black and white photos by John Lyons; colour photo taken on Cymande’s 2025 USA Tour.