Born: December 27, 1971 Primary Instrument: Bass
David Hughes was born and raised in Sweden but is now based in Los Angeles, California. After studies at the Royal College of Music in Stockolm, Hughes left for LA in 1994 for a stint at the Bass Institute of Technology, BIT. After receiving the BIT Outstanding Student Award, Hughes soon joined the teaching staff and began to explore life as a studio and live musician.
David received his first important break when Wayne Henderson of the legendary Jazz Crusaders asked him to join the band. Other credits include Chaka Khan, Melissa Etheridge, Burt Bacharach and Connie Stevens and Ray Manzarek (the Doors). He has played on countless sessions for TV and radio and for films such as Firehouse Dog and Old School, in which he also appeared.
A composer since he was old enough to reach the piano keys, the release of Hughes debut CD Swoosh united his greatest passions - composing and performing. With the release of Foreign Shores he is reaching for a new musical level, with more complex compositions and live, interactive performances.
Hughes is married to Shirley To, who plays bass, keyboard and percussion in his band. His family lives in Sweden.
Currently Hughes fills his schedule touring and recording with David Benoit, the Jazz Crusaders and Keiko Matsui, and with recording sessions and local performances spanning jazz to rock and classical music. When he has time off, he likes to compose and ride his bike or ski in the SoCal mountains.
- David Benoit (quote from Smoothviews.com)
”...jazz fusion has seldom ever been more expressive, more engaging and personable...David Hughes' album is one to be excited about.”
-CD baby
”...the Crusaders' standard “Always There” was the set's standout, with six-string electric bassist David Hughes bringing guitar sensibilities into the chords as he went beyond providing mere foundation.”
-Philadelphia Inquirer
”...Hughes delivers funk-laden grooves, guitar-like chordal voicings, and many horn-influenced solos. Although Hughes' virtuostic ability as a bass player is completely apparent throughout this recording, it never obscures the emotionally evocative experience he is attempting to convey to the listener.”
”Hughes proves that he is a premier bassist who definitely deserves wider acknowledgment.”
-International Institute of Bassists
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