David Urquidi is a multi-talented saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. Beginning his musical career at the age of 16, Urquidi has performed with many of the world's great Latin, Jazz, and Blues artists. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Urquidi began playing saxophone at age 10, and later went on to graduate from the USC School of Music. In 1992, Urquidi created the Latin-
Ska band Yeska , which released two albums to much critical acclaim and toured internationally. In 1997, one of Urquidi's compositions was used as the theme for the Showtime series "Latino Laugh Festival". Since then Urquidi has composed for television as well as numerous international CD releases.
As a saxophonist, Urquidi has recently spent two years performing, arranging, composing and recording with Poncho Sanchez . In addition, Urquidi has performed with such luminaries as:
San Diego Symphony, James Moody, Hugh Masekela, Lonnie Jordan, Francisco Aguabella, George Clinton, Don Omar, Jack Johnson, Money Mark, Linda Hopkins, Andy Montanez, Oscar Hernandez, Jose Alberto "El Canario", Cano Estremera, Tiger Army, Tevin Campbell, Rico Rodriguez, Leonard Dillon “The Ethiopianâ€, Ernie Andrews, Joey DeFrancesco, John Santos, ALO, Fred Wesley, Steve Turee, Bobby Matos, Bryan Lynch, Culver City Dub Collective
As a bandleader, Urquidi has performed at:
Montreaux Jazz Festival(Switzerland), Montreal Jazz Festival (Canada), Pori Jazz Festival (Finland), Cancun Jazz Festival (Mexico), UCLA Jazz Festival (LA), Central Avenue Jazz Festival (LA), The Greek Theatre, Hollywood Palladium, House of Blues.
David Urquidi currently leads his own Latin Jazz Quintet, Latin Jazz Big Band , and more recently LA Plena. While leading his quintet and big band, Urquidi performs original compositions and arrangements, blending jazz with folkloric afro-latin rhythms. As founder and musical director of LA Plena, Urquidi plays saxophone and accordion. The first group of its kind in Los Angeles, LA Plena is a group dedicated to the performance, development, and preservation of the Puerto Rican Plena and Bomba. In addition to his busy performance schedule, Urquidi takes time to share his knowledge with children. Urquidi has spent 11 years teaching music to students throughout the Los Angeles area. He has participated in many after school programs, and clinics, in an effort to expand the awareness and appreciation of music in today's youth.
