Dominic Davis: Insights from a Musical Journey with Jack White
Dominic Davis and Jack White share a long history that dates back to their childhood in Detroit. They spent countless hours jamming together, but it wasn’t until later that Davis recognized the depth of their musical connection. “After struggling to find musicians in college, I realized just how unique Jack was,” he reflects in an interview with Bass Player.
From Local Jams to Global Collaborations
After his early days with White, Davis expanded his musical horizons by forming the band Steppin’ In It and later diving into a accomplished session career. His notable resume includes collaborations with major artists like Pharrell Williams, Adele, and Beyoncé. “Every artist brings something unique to the table,” he notes, highlighting the diversity of his experiences.
He recalls a particular session with Pharrell, who sent him a completed album and asked him to replicate his style. “Pop music frequently enough has layers of sound,and while I can create a ‘bass moment’ if needed,I typically don’t approach it that way,” he explains.
A Decade of Collaboration with Jack White
Davis’s extraordinary talent caught the attention of White, leading to an invitation to join his band over ten years ago. Since then, he has contributed to five of White’s solo albums, including the upcoming Frozen Charlotte, and is gearing up for another world tour with him.
In addition to his work with White, Davis has been busy with various projects. “I’ve been involved in a lot of soundtrack work since moving to Nashville 14 years ago. The city is full of opportunities for sessions and collaborations,” he shares.
Musical Beginnings and Influences
What sparked your interest in the bass?
Music was always a part of my life. Growing up in a modest household in Detroit, my mother encouraged my passion. She bought me a low-quality guitar that was notoriously difficult to tune, but it ignited my love for music.
At around nine or ten, I would visit Jack’s house, where we would play music in his attic with his brother Eddie.one day, Eddie suggested I try playing bass since my guitar was always out of tune. That moment marked the beginning of my journey as a bassist, although I still enjoy playing guitar.
Growing Up in Detroit with Jack White
What was your experience like growing up alongside Jack?
I wasn’t always aware of Jack’s unique outlook. He had interests that set him apart from other kids our age. For instance, he would often create things, like crafting models from Dr. Pepper cans.
Reflecting on their childhood, Davis recalls, ”Jack was always ahead of the curve. It wasn’t until I got to college and struggled to find musicians that I realized how special his drive was.” He emphasizes that Jack’s motivation was unlike anyone else’s.
Transitioning to a Successful Session Career
Eventually, Davis found his footing in the music industry. “I was lucky to start with Steppin’ in It, which had a sound reminiscent of Americana before it became a recognized genre. We gained a reputation for backing artists across Michigan,” he explains.
His early experiences led to opportunities in session work, where he collaborated with various singer-songwriters, including actor Jeff Daniels and folk artist greg Brown.
Typical Gear and Setup for Sessions
What does your bass rig typically consist of during sessions?
As a Jazz Bass enthusiast, I usually bring both a Jazz and a precision Bass, along with something quirky like a Kay or Teisco. I also always include an upright bass, as it often finds its way into the mix!
My pedalboard is quite extensive, featuring a variety of effects including octaves, synths, and compressors. In Nashville, many sessions don’t require amps, so I often rely on my pedalboard unless I’m working on a rock project with Jack.
Becoming a Key Member of Jack White’s Band
Jack’s transition from his bands like The White Stripes and The raconteurs to a solo career opened the door for Davis. “When Jack moved to Nashville, he began producing more and reaching out to old friends,” he recalls.
As he started playing on numerous projects, including work for artists like Wanda Jackson and Tom Jones, it became a natural progression for him to join jack’s band.
The Recording Experience with Jack White
What is it like to record with Jack?
Jack’s approach to recording is fearless and spontaneous. He often doesn’t come in with a strict plan,preferring to explore ideas in the studio. “You have to trust him and embrace the experimentation,” Davis advises.
Unlike typical Nashville sessions where musicians receive detailed charts and demos, working with Jack is more about improvisation and collaboration. “In recent sessions, he often presents riffs, and we work together to shape the song,” Davis explains.
Creative Dynamics in the studio
During the recording of Frozen Charlotte, the process involved a mix of finished songs and experimental ideas. “Jack would play riffs, and we would discuss how to structure them,” Davis shares. “He balances being specific with allowing us to express ourselves.” He emphasizes the importance of finding a unique sound rather than simply replicating what Jack plays.
For instance, in the song Derecho Demonico, Davis focused on maintaining a tough sound by keeping everything within one octave, drawing inspiration from classic rock bands like Led zeppelin.
Lessons Learned from Jack White
What is the most meaningful lesson you’ve learned from Jack?
Jack has fundamentally changed my approach to playing bass. I used to crank my bass volume to the max, but now I understand the importance of balancing frequencies. “I’ve learned to keep my bass lower and boost the mids for better clarity,” he explains.
Additionally, Davis acknowledges his tendency to play too aggressively.”I’m working on having a lighter touch, especially when using a pick. It’s challenging to hold back when Jack’s energy is so infectious,” he admits.
