Jose Davila

Tubist, trombonist, arranger, composer and recording artist Jose Davila is a versatile New York-based musician whose work spans a broad spectrum of musical genres. A native of Puerto Rico, Davila received his formal musical training from The University of Connecticut and Mannes College of Music. Davila has worked with Ray Charles, Andrew Hill, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Eddie Palmieri, Butch Morris, along with The Lincoln Center Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, The Arturo O’Farrill Big Band, American Symphony Orchestra, and New York City Opera Orchestra.

Davila has worked with Henry Threadgill for over a quarter century, including as an original member of Zooid, which was awarded the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for their recorded work “In for a Penny, In for a Pound.” He is also a member in bands led by guitarist Liberty Ellman, alto saxophonist Steve Lehman, pianist Jason Moran and trombonist Ray Anderson. His has been instrumental in expanding the tuba’s role as an integrated rhythm-melodic instrument and a front-line solo voice. Additionally, his playing on trombone can be heard on the Grammy-nominated salsa recordings “Un Gran Dia en El Barrio” from The Spanish Harlem Orchestra and “Remebranzas” and “Siguiendo la Tradicion” by the Soneros del Barrio.