David Ashkenazy

I'm a dynamic performer. I love what I do and I it shows. I show up prepared, dressed well, music memorized and I'm outgoing. When it's called for I enjoy interacting with the audience and making them feel part of the musical experience. I'm a good team player, take direction well and am a clear communicator.

DAVID ASHKENAZY began his musical journey studying piano and guitar at the age of ten. Soon to follow he began singing and performing in middle school choir and musical theatre where he excelled and found a love for performing. David was heavily influenced by Rock n Roll, Blues, Funk, jazz Pop and Eastern European music . A connection to dance and physical movement has always been a part of David's life. At 2 years old his grandmother bought him a pair of tap shoes and started teaching him basic dance styles every time they got together. The big revelation happened when David discovered the drums. With the combination of dance, rhythm and physicality, it was a perfect match for David and he knew he found his instrument and his calling. His formal education began at California State University, Long Beach where he studied classical marimba, snare drum, Brazilian percussion, West African percussion, and steel drum styles of Trinidad. He also learned the dancing styles of West Africa, Brazil and was an accompanist for CSLUB dance ensembles. He then left school to study with one his favorite musicians and mentors, Jeff Hamilton and later studied with Joe Labarbera. Peter Erskine, Samir Chatterjee, Steve Davis, Kenny Washington and Shawn Pelton.

David has played in an eclectic mix of musical settings from Singer/Songwriters to Rock bands to Americana, Blues, R&B, Zydeco, Haitian, African, Klezmer, Funk and Jazz ensembles.

Performance Experience:
David has played and/or toured with The Klezmatics, Josh Nelson Group, Redlight Cinema, Brother Han, Ngozi, The Kat Gang Ensemble, The Dr. Zsa Zydeco Band, The Didge Project, The Gold Magnolias, Klezmer Juice, The Underground Horns, Dimitri Landrain Quartet, Adrian Cunningham Funktet, Chris Conly group, Adam Minkoff ensemble, and a number of great musicians in Los Angeles and New York including Joel Frahm, Gilad Hekselman, Alan Ferber, Matt Clohesy, Mike Moreno, Brad Shepik, Andy Mckee, Clay Jenkins, Dan Pratt, Rob Scheps, Jared Gold, Norbert Satchel, Matt Otto, Gary Versace, Ricky Woodard, Bob Sheppard, Larry Fuller, Gilbert Castellanos, Christoph Luty, Ron Stout, John Campbell, Tony Dumas, Steve Cotter, & Joe Bagg.

Teaching Experience:
David has enjoyed teaching privately for the last 12 years. His students cover all ages, from five year old prodigies to lawyers looking to play there favorite rock songs. David thoroughly enjoys passing on to others what he is truly passionate and excited about.

Teachers:
Jeff Hamilton (Diana Krall, Ray Brown)
Joe Labarbera (Bill Evans)
Peter Erskine (Weather Report)
Kenny Washington (Bill Charlap)
Samir Chatterjee (Tabla Master Guru)
Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live House Drummer)

Recordings:
David Ashkenazy Group: OUT WITH IT
Joel Frahm (Tenor Sax), Gilad Hekselman (Guitar), Gary Versace (Organ), David Ashkenazy (Drums)

David Ashkenazy Quartet: RESONATION
Matt Otto (Tenor Sax), Steve Cotter (Guitar), Roger Shew (bass), David Ashkenazy (Drums)

The Fotet: FOTET
Garrett Kobseff (Bass Clarinet, Soprano Sax), Dave Walker (Tenor Sax), Brian Martin (bass), David Ashkenazy (Drums)

Redlight Cinema: REDLIGHTS
Kevin Andreas (Vox, Guitar), Dan Parra (Bass), David Ashkenazy (Drums)

Brother Han: HAN
Lawrence Ho (Vox, Guitar), Chris Conly (Guitar), John Lang (Bass)
David Ashkenazy (Drums & Percussion)

Education:
2004- California State University at Long Beach. Studied classical marimba, Brazilian, African music, and classical percussion & played percussion for dance ensembles.

2003- Orange Coast College – Associates degree. Played in jazz combos and orchestra

1994- Woodbridge High school – Performed in musical theater, Choir and Show Choir

2006- Impro-theatre of Los Angeles. Completed two courses of classes and performance.