Born: June 21, 1983 Primary Instrument: Piano
David Austin Grey is a UK based pianist, composer and educator. Having studied music at The University of Birmingham and Birmingham Conservatoire David had the opportunity to study which such musicians as Hans Koller, Liam Noble & Mike Williams. Currently he is working with his own band [Greyish Quartet] and freelancing throughout the UK.
Over the last few years David has worked with a number of well respected musicians including Soweto Kinch, Martin Speake, Gemma Weekes, Chima Anya, Patsy Fuller , Musa Okwonga and New York based artists ‘ iLLspoKinN‘ and ‘Why G?’. He also has a strong desire to continue to collaborate with a wide variety of artists from around the globe. As an educator, writer and leader my previous and current clients include Birmingham Jazz, THSH, Birmingham Conservatoire, EC Arts, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Nu-Century Arts & The University of Birmingham.
During 2009/10 David was heavily involved in the national ‘Banded About’ project as a workshop leader. This project is a funded initiative to encourage music making in young children, specifically in a group context. At the same time he was also tasked with the responsibility of co-leading and writing for the Banded About ‘Practitioner Ensemble’ along with acclaimed alto saxophonist Soweto Kinch.
Musically, David Austin Grey is greatly influenced and inspired by a number of artists [Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade, Dave Binney, Bill Evans, Esperanza Spalding, Chick Corea, Eric Harland, Dave Holland, Ambrose Akiminsure, Walter Smith III, Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, Gretchen Parlato, J Dilla and Hiromi] bands [Brian Blade Fellowship, The Cinematic Orchestra, A Tribe Called Quest, Claudia Quintet,Slum Village, Miles Davis' 2nd Great Quintet,The Roots & People Under The Stairs] and contemporary composers [Joe Hisaishi, Thomas Newman, Yoko Kanno and Steve Reich].
When I not making music, David concentrates his energies on photography and martial arts. He have been practicing various martial disciplines for over 10 years and runs his own school in Birmingham UK.
Other credits include the title of Musical Director for a cutting edge dub poetry theatre production entitled ‘Genesis 9:25′. This was written by noted poet Kokumo and premiered at the Birmigham REP. He has also served as an accompanist for Don Kinch’s musical theatre production ‘Not Quite Gospel’ which toured the UK and was performed at such venues as Solihull Arts Complex and The Tabernacle Theatre in London.
David is also a member of Birmingham’s Cobweb Collective and it’s Creative Composer’s Ensemble.
