Born: 1979 Primary Instrument: Composer/conductor/leader
Trombonist, Composer, Arranger David White is a highly versatile musician who is building a strong reputation in the New York jazz scene. Since arriving in New York in 1999, he has performed frequently throughout the area and has shared the stage with such luminaries as Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, James Weidman, Frank Lowe, Todd Coolman, Junior Mance and Valery Ponomarev. In a review of one of his recent performances, Jazz Inside NY Magazine praised David’s work saying:
“I Have a Bad Feeling About This”, written by trombonist Dave White, was propelled by a snappy bass line and some first class solo work by the composer. White put his big sound, solid technique and solid intonation to good use on all of the material throughout the performance.”
In 2007 David formed the David White Jazz Orchestra, a 17- piece ensemble which performs his original compositions and arrangements exclusively. In 2009, David was awarded a grant from The American Music Center to support the creation of new works for his orchestra. The orchestra has a standing engagement at Greenwich Village’s Garage Restaurant and Café and plans to release its first recording in May 2011. In addition, David leads The David White Quintet which performs at venues throughout the NYC area.
Born in Buffalo, NY in 1979, David began his musical studies at the age of 11. By 14, he was already playing professionally and he had the opportunity to perform locally with touring musicians such as Jeff Jarvis, Kenny Burrell and Doc Severinsen. While in his hometown, David studied with Richard Meyers of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and jazz trombonist John Hasselback Jr. Around this time, bandleader Macy Favor took David under his wing, making him a member of his big band which appeared weekly at Buffalo’s historic Colored Musician’s Club. These experiences instilled in David a deep respect for the history and traditions of jazz and stirred within him a strong desire to strive for excellence in hopes that he could someday make his mark on the music. David continued his training at the Purchase College Conservatory of Music where he studied trombone and composition with Jim Pugh. David earned both Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Purchase Conservatory.
