Born: April 20, 1966 Primary Instrument: Sax, tenor
Saxophonist, composer and producer David Mullen (AKA “Mahoney”) is a truly unique voice on his instrument, blending a long lineage of players into a vital and original style.
David first became interested in playing through his father, who was a DJ in the late 50s and 60s, and had an extensive collection of 45s and LPs. “I remember fingering through his collection of jazz, early R&B, and rock n' roll, and just loving the feel and energy of those recordings. The sax was so dominant in all of the styles of music that were happening back then, and I think that's what drew me to the sound of it.”
At the age of 14 David traveled to Paris and Canada and was recognized early on for his musical prowess. He garnished awards that included a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. At Berklee, he studied with the “guru” of woodwind teachers Joe Viola (RIP), George Garzone, Bill Pierce and Andy McGhee, just to name a few. After graduating, David went on to win the 1988 Boston music award and moved to New York. The relocation quickly turned out to be a fruitful one, shortly there after performing locally and abroad. Some of his credits include appearing on MTV, Live @ Five, CBS, FOX and writing for PBS.
During his career, Dave has performed and /or recorded with: Roy Ayers,Nile Rodgers, Marc Egan, Marc Ribot, Danny Gottlieb, Delfeayo Marsalis, Victor Jones, John Hicks, Robin Eubanks, The Brand New Heavies, P-Funk, Eddie Hazel, Groove Collective, Gil Scott Heron, Brian Jackson, Blue Man Group, G Love and Special Sauce, and many others. Presently, Dave is forging ahead, performing, writing, producing and continuing to push the envelope with his unique musical vision. His new album, “Mahoney's Way” features Nile Rodgers, Marc Egan, Marc Ribot, Victor Jones, and Abe Fogle along with numerous other NYC mainstays(including a gospel choir). This all creates a jazz/soul/funk elation, that includes a tribute to the late Roland Kirk entitled “Like Rashaan”, where Mullen can be heard playing two tenors simultaneously. “I wanted to do a record that was timeless, something you could play in 15 years and it would still sound fresh..... able to transcend time with a message that can be applied to any era.”
Awards:
Winner Boston Music Awards Winner best horn player Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame "Battle of the Bands" 2007....”He's paid attention to a wide swath of records from the sax greats, learned the lessons without regurgitating them. A sparkling debut that's well worth your attention.” -Chris Spector Midwest record
“I’m not a big fan of much of what's called jazz today, however ”Mahoney's Way” is an exception, for what I've had to get used to. A wonderful project that includes most titles written by Mullen and an excellent re-make of Stevie Wonder's “As”. Some of the titles I prefer are the up tempo “Flip It”, “Chase Away Rain” and I love the “Like Rashaan” and it's apparent that Dave has been influence by some of the best. A great CD that could change the direction of modern jazz.” -WorldSpace Corporation Satellite Radio
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Primary Instrument:
Sax, tenor
Location:
North Arlington, NJ
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Many years teaching experience
B.M. in Woodwind Performance
Berklee College of Music
