Dave's Jazz

I play classic jazz saxophone - Stan Getz, Paul Desmond, Stanley Turrentine - I play from a library of over 1,600 American standards (Sinatra, Ella, Louis Armstrong), Broadway tunes, early jazz ("Dixieland"), Latin jazz and Bossa Novas, Gypsy Jazz, bluesy ballads and Big Band tunes, all played close to the melody, and then improvised on in a captivating manner. I can focus on one or two genres if you prefer. I occasionally play some of my own compositions as well. (I don't play smooth jazz, soul, funk, be-bop, fusion or hip hop.) My aim is to liven up your party without becoming the star - I pride myself in playing the right music at the right volume level for your occasion!
I usually play as a solo performer, using "backing tracks" I mostly make myself, played through my excellent sound system.
My business practices start with communication and honesty, doing what I promise, and delivering the goods with good humor - please visit my website for more details.

I grew up in a (classical) musical family, but got hooked on blues and then jazz in my teens. I went to Berklee School of Music and then started playing in bands in my twenties, up and down the East Coast. In my thirties and 40s I pursued other interests, including painting and teaching art. I never stopped practicing jazz saxophone however. When my wife (an Episcopal priest) was called to serve a church in Greenville, MS, I began to play as a solo artist in restaurants, clubs and private parties in the Mississippi Delta. and then the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our new home is in Melbourne, Florida where there are many, many private and public venues for live music!

As a solo act I need about a 4' x 6' square area to set up in, with one electrical socket, and in the same room with most of the people! For a group gig (4 to 6 people) an area approximately 8' x 10' is needed. For a larger crowd (100 or more, dancing) a 1 foot high platform helps.

1. Unless agreed to otherwise, all engagements require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, and the balance due is to be paid immediately upon completion of the engagement. Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card.

2. Since in many cases I've declined other offers for the date(s) of your booking, the 50% deposit is non-refundable (except in the case of "acts of God" emergencies). Please notify me as soon as you know you are cancelling your booking.

3. For outdoor events, please have alternate indoor locations arranged in the case of extreme weather.

4. Once I've set up my equipment, full payment is required even if you cancel the gig.

5. Extra charges may be incurred if: a) equipment has to be moved to a second location during the gig; b) requested songs have to be learned; c) extra playing time is requested; d) equipment has to be carried up and down stairs, onto boats, or over rough terrain.