Dave Young

Bassist Dave Young is a national treasure in his native Canada, with an impressively rich and diverse musical past. Educated as both a jazz and a classical player, Young's warm tone, his agility, flawless intonation and ability to swing have ensured him a permanent place in the address books of such jazzmen as Oscar Peterson, Clark Terry, Harry Edison, Zoot Simms, Joe Williams, Oliver Jones, Rob McConnell, Kenny Burrell, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, Nat Adderley, and James Moody.

A native of Winnipeg, his early years included time with one of that city's adopted sons, guitar legend Lenny Breau. Young played in Breau's quartet from 1961-66, beginning an association that continued until Breau's untimely death. Echoing a feeling shared by many Breau admirers, Dave reflects that, "Lenny had a gypsy spirit within him and it came out in his music...being part of this was always a thrill for me".

Young began studies in Toronto in 1967 with the late Thomas Monohan, Principal Double Bass in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His understanding of the instrument in a classical context led to a heightened awareness of its possibilities in jazz, and also helped land him a job with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Dave was the bassist of choice for many illustrious jazz musicians visiting Toronto for various nightclub engagements.

Fellow Canadians in whose groups Dave was an integral member (in studio, live and on tour) include Don Thompson, Ranee Lee, Gene DiNovi, Ed Bickert, Peter Appleyard, Oliver Jones, Guido Basso, Moe Koffman, Terry Clarke, Rob McConnell and Oscar Peterson. Young's long-time association with Oscar Peterson spans over two decades, from a 1975 tour of Japan, the U.S. and Canada, to a recent Royal Caribbean Cruise in 1995. Recordings began at the same time, and continue to this day.

In 1995 Oscar returned the favour by appearing on two tracks of Dave's "Two By Two: Piano-Bass Duets, Vol.1", one of which ("OP & D") was written expressly for the occasion.