Dave Young Quartet
Mean What You Say
Bassist Dave Young,one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports leads a quartet of Canada's leading jazz Musicians
Mean What You Say is an independent release and a thrilling musical collaboration (as well as bass-centric jazz recording masterpiece). In addition to Dave on bass, the quartet recording also features the considerable talents of first-call trumpet genius Kevin Turcotte, as well as gifted pianist Robi Botos and dynamic drummer Frank Botos.
Well-Produced by noted award-winning bassist, composer and producer Roberto Occhipinti, Mean What You Say is comprised of material from some of the most intriguing jazz composers of the modern musical era (e.g. title-track author Thad Jones, Oscar Pettiford, Sam Jones, W.C. Handy, Bud Powell, Cole Porter and Matt Dennis) as well as original pieces by Dave Young himself.
The eclectic, musically sophisticated and deeply swinging material on Mean What You Say includes the title track, written by legendary jazz trumpeter, arranger and bandleader Thad Jones (one third of the Pontiac, Michigan jazz dynasty that includes late drum legend Elvin and still swinging pianist Hank Jones). It’s only natural that Thad’s tune should be a feature for Kevin Turcotte’s agile and sumptuous sound while also including strong rhythmic work from Frank Botos and inspired solos from Robi Botos and Dave. “Will You Still Be Mine” comes from the late, prolific Sinatra inspired vocalist/composer Matt Dennis, and is arranged here as a jaunty, rhythmic swing with an impressive arco solo by Dave as well as more exquisite lead trumpet work from Turcotte and strong solo piano sections from Robi Botos. Innovative bass/cello genius Oscar Pettiford’s “Bohemia After Dark” is a bass-centric stand out, and one of the most appealing tracks on the CD. Of particular beauty are penultimate American tunesmith Cole Porter’s classic and moving ballads, “Every Time We Say Good-bye” and the sumptuous, more up-tempo “Dream Dancing” – both of which display the communicative sensitivity and superb musicianship of the entire quartet. Other highlights of Mean What You Say include “Celia”, by revered seminal bop pianist Bud Powell; Dave Young’s original compositions “Sandu” (which features a gorgeous pizzicato bass solo), “Minor 101” and the emotionally evocative “Last Time I Saw Her”. Also, avant-garde jazz bassist/composer Sam Jones’ progressively smooth bopper, “Seven Minds” and the gospel-tinged bass feature, “Morning Star” from jazz progenitor and rag-time king, W.C. Handy.
About Dave Young......
Toronto-based and Winnipeg-born multiple award-winning bassist and composer Dave Young, is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most valuable and beloved musical exports. Whether he’s performing as part of a classical symphony, or as an integral member of an iconic jazz trio (with the likes of the late Oscar Peterson), or leading any of his dynamic ensembles, Dave remains a total musician, with artistic soul in abundance. He first began studying the guitar and violin at age ten, but a turn of events at his first gig (a University dance band) compelled him to pick up the bass. Equally comfortable in the worlds of orchestral classical music and jazz, Dave is a multiple threat. As a classical musician, he has been a member of The Edmonton Symphony, The Winnipeg Symphony and The Hamilton Philharmonic.
As a jazz artist, he is a chameleon-like bassist, who often shines brightest in collaborative efforts with other musicians. Because of his technical skill, few bassists (jazz or otherwise) are able to dig in, swing hard and still render a lyrical arco solo as Dave can.
One of Dave’s most beloved gigs was a five year stint (1961-66) as a member of iconic jazz guitarist Lenny Breau’s quartet. Recently, Randy Bachman’s “Guitar Archives” label has released Bourbon Street – a LIVE recording of Dave and Lenny in duo format, digitally restored and originally recorded on a primitive reel to reel at Toronto’s late, lamented jazz venue. The list of musicians with whom Dave has shared the stage is a virtual “Who’s Who” of international jazz...including the late Oscar Peterson (with whom Dave had a thirty-five year musical relationship), Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Zoot Simms, Joe Williams, Oliver Jones, Kenny Burrell, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Nat Adderly, Peter Appleyard, Gary Burton, Barney Kessell, Ed Bickert, Ranee Lee, Marcus Belgrave, Don Thompson, Kenny Burrell and James Moody.
In recent years, Dave Young has released a number of excellent CDs as leader: the JUNO winning Fables and Dreams with co-leader Phil Dwyer (Justin Time Records); We Three with Phil Dwyer and Michele Lambert (torontosound.com) and Two by Two – Volumes 1 & 2 (1995 & 96) which featured Dave in duet performances with jazz legends Oscar Peterson, Cedar Walton, John Hicks, Mulgrew Miller, Tommy Flanagan, Ellis Marsalis, Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, Renee Rosnes, Cyrus Chestnut and Oliver Jones and the hit recordings Tale of the Fingers with Special Guest Mulgrew Miller (Justin Time), and the excellent quintet album, Mainly Mingus (Justin Time), which features Dave’s re-imaginings of the music of Charles Mingus and Horace Silver.
In addition to club appearances, touring, recording and concert/festival performance work, Dave is also a dedicated jazz educator, having taught at numerous music seminars and jazz clinics, as well as being an ongoing member of the Faculty of Music at Humber College and The University of Toronto. In the classical milieu, Dave regularly tours with clarinettist James Campbell and pianist Gene Di Novi in a successful programme of “Classical Fusion”. He also stretches both his classical and jazz chops at the annual “Festival of the Sound” in Perry Sound, Ontario, where he has been an integral part of this two-week eclectic musical event for some years.
Dave Young was recently named as a member to The Order of Canada – our country’s highest and most prestigious civilian honour. He was installed for his huge international contribution to the music world and to Canada. Dave Young is also the winner (several times over) of the prestigious National Jazz Award “Bassist of the Year”. Dave is currently performing as part of the 17-piece orchestra accompanying award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp’s latest Broadway-bound dance extravaganza: “Come Fly With Me” – The Music of Frank Sinatra. The orchestra (led by drummer/arranger Dennis Mackrel) is performing “LIVE” to vocal tracks drawn from Sinatra’s long, distinguished recording career. Vocalist Dee Daniels (also “LIVE”) adds her unique voice to the performance. The show has already received rave reviews, and will be touring major U.S. and Canadian cities prior to what promises to be a long run on The Great White Way.
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MEAN WHAT YOU SAY was recorded on March 2, 2009 at Drive Shed Studios – Downsview, Ontario
Produced by Roberto Occhipinti - Engineered by John Bailey – Mastered by Peter Moore at The E Room
Graphic Design and Layout by Adam Cook for Samo Media
Jazz: Contemporary Jazz