06 April 2008

David Price


David is a lifelong jazz musician, successful band leader and banjo player of universal distinction, and has many television and radio appearances to his credit. His extensive knowledge, humour and audience rapport have given his appearances and courses widespread appeal.

David became interested in jazz as a schoolboy playing clarinet, saxophone and banjo as well as brass. As a teenager, he joined a vintage style jazz band which performed in virtually all of London’s established jazz clubs. During his twenties, his mixed career included playing in a comedy band and being a successful solo cabaret entertainer in addition to studying classical guitar to diploma at the London College of Music.

Later, he won a Wavendon (John Dankworth) Allmusic Musician of the Year Award presented at the Barbican by HRH Princess in 1985, and performed the first Southbank banjo recital at the Purcell Room. He has played for numerous celebrities and royalty, and for many decades, has performed worldwide in all manner of jazz combos in every situation imaginable. For several years, David ran an entertainment agency but today, he runs a professional jazz quartet, plays solo, lectures on jazz appreciation and teaches jazz performance and banjo to a very high standard.

David will be presenting a selection of jazz standards, Latin American, rags, some unusual items and the odd surprise. Listen out for the Harry Lime Theme, Hernando's Holiday, the theme from Godfather, a touch of Bach and maybe a comedy song and some nifty natter.

You will hear banjo in its fullest splendour, as you've never heard it played before combined with David's very own nearly 'live' pre-recorded rhythm-section of piano, double-bass and percussion. A special souvenir CD of 20 tracks will be on sale at the special price of £5.00.