Morris C. Davis(1904-1968)
- Composer
Morris Davis studied piano in Montreal with Nicholas Eichorn, A.E.J.
MacCreary, and Alfred La Liberté, but was self-taught in composition
and orchestration. While taking courses in law at McGill University, he
wrote the university's annual Robert Emmett Dolan on Lucio Agostini, Jean Deslauriers and Allan McIver.
In 1948 Davis established his own production house in Montreal, working
as a freelance composer, arranger, and conductor (one of the first
active extensively in the jingle field), serving as the agent for
several commercial orchestras, and assisting in the development of
young performers' careers. He was also music director for various stage
productions in Montreal and elsewhere. His compositions include scores
for over 30 films (including the features Whispering City (1947), The Fortress (1947), 'Tambour
battant', and Le curé de village (1949)), several orchestral works, songs, revues, about
200 jingles, and incidental music for some 100 radio and TV programs.
His "Blues and Finales in G" (1942) is a jazz concerto in the manner of
"Rhapsody in Blue", and his "Serenade for Trumpet in Jazz" (written
before 1948) was played by Maynard Ferguson.