Trombonist Steve Davis made such a strong impression while a student at the University of Hartford's Hartt School, that his teacher, Jackie McLean, recommended him to a friend. That friend was Art Blakey, and it wasn't long before Davis was invited to join Blakey's legendary Jazz Messengers. Since then he has worked with Chick Corea's Origin, the jazz supergroup One For All, the Dizzie Gillespie All-Star Big Band, and many others. At the Strathallan he'll showcase his improvisational skills in a duo with guitarist Bob Sneider.

Steve Davis plays Thursday, November 19, 8 p.m. at Grill at Strathallan, 550 East Ave. Free. 461-5010.