Music for Social Justice | Episode IX: Xavier Davis, Jazz Piano | "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"

Beauty and hope can be borne from pain. The Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey’s "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," which he wrote in response to the deaths of his wife and unborn child, sees him pouring out his pain and letting music be the healer. Today, Associate Professor of Jazz Piano Xavier Davis recognizes that sometimes it takes the struggle of another to recognize your own, and he movingly shares Dorsey’s hymn in hopes of helping to inspire personal change.

Xavier Davis is a gifted pianist, composer, arranger, and producer of music. He has released critically acclaimed recordings as a bandleader, and his talent has been featured on more than 60 albums. A Grammy-winning artist as part of the Christian McBride Big Band, he is one of the most accomplished jazz pianists worldwide. A dedicated educator, Davis is associate professor of jazz piano at the MSU College of Music.

This performance is part of the Michigan State University College of Music video series, Music for Social Justice, an opportunity for MSU artists to express their thoughts and feelings on important social justice issues, doing so with their insightful, often moving comments and of course their art, the music.

The 2020–2021 Music for Social Justice video series is generously sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

All videos in the MSU Music for Social Justice series have been filmed following safety guidelines and regulations as set forth by Michigan State University and the State of Michigan.

Видео Music for Social Justice | Episode IX: Xavier Davis, Jazz Piano | "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" канала Michigan State University | College of Music