Member Since: 12/17/2005
Band Website: davelagrande.net
Band Members:
I just finished up with recording artist Damon Smith and will be joining the 10 piece swing band called "Jive Deluxe", (Vanguard Label) for their US tour beginning October 31st. The tour schedule is posted here and at www.jivedeluxe.com! Look for the Baritone Sax player!
My Past, Present, and Future
I grew up in southwest Florida, originally from Englewood - I think it's become a full time retirement village now! I played in bands all throughout high school and finally hit the road when I was 19 playing honkytonks and clubs all over FL. In 1998 I moved to Orlando, eventually earning a degree in Music Education from the University of Central Florida. I had an opportunity to study with some great teachers there including, George Weremchuk, Gary Wolf, and Rick Greenwood. I also performed throughout central Florida with several groups performing in the various theme parks (Disney, Universal, Sea World, Old Town, pretty much every theme park!).
I lived in St. Augustine, FL for 5 years and while there I taught instrumental music in the St. Johns County school system until 2006, when I had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii to work aboard Norwegian Cruiselines Pride of Hawaii as a musician with "Celebration", and party band from Orlando.
Following my month in Hawaii, I came back to the mainland to take a job with recording artist, James Taylor Curtis and toured the US with his band until June of 2007.
I moved to Nashville, TN in 2007 after a brief time with recording artist Damon Smith, began working with Vanguard Records swing group, Jive Deluxe. The band has new record coming out soon and I'm gearing up for a US tour beginning in October.
I enjoy songwriting as well and continue to improve my craft by working with other writers in the Nashville area. Although I studied saxophone in college, I've played piano almost my entire life and grew up on country and swing music, and never get tired of hearing or sitting in with a good blues band.
I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many great artists and musicians in my 31 years and look forward to whatever comes next in life.
Influences: Musical Influences: George Kenney, Gene Harris, Dexter Gordon, Miles Davis, George Weremchuk, Ray Weiner, Cannonball Adderley, Michael Brecker, Ernie Watts, Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, Billy Joel, my grandfather and mother.
Type of Label: None