Today we’d like to introduce you to David Arnay.
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I left Livingston, NJ for Ithaca (NY) College in 1974 and put in two years as an undergrad before dropping out to join the thriving local music scene playing keyboards for a top-40 cover band, complete with powder blue tux.
My first lucky break was being invited to join Ithaca’s legendary Zobo Funn Band, featuring guitar wizard David Torn. We gigged in Ithaca, in NYC and environs, and came close to a national record deal, but our eclectic music was deemed “uncategorizable” (unsellable) by the suits. The band broke up in 1980. In Ithaca I worked as a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist and drummer in various local bands, including rock ‘n roller Bobby Comstock’s crew of sidemen for doo-wop and early R&R nostalgia shows, including an unforgettable gig in Madison Square Garden backing up Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley.
I married author and singer Jill Ganon – our son Miles was born in 1983. In 1986 we moved to Perugia, Italy for three months where I wrote most of the tunes for my first album “Daddy’s Groove.” In 1987 we moved to Pasadena. I took film scoring classes at UCLA extension while working as a clerk in a Century City law firm. At a BMI-sponsered film scoring workshop in 1989 a fellow pianist/composer hooked me up with solo work at Pasadena’s Parkway Grill restaurant, where I remained as player and contractor until 2019… a 30-year run.
As part of the community of “gun-for-hire” players in LA playing private and corporate events, I met studio guitar legend Phil Upchurch who brought me in on his album project “Tell The Truth” (Evidence, 2000). Phil’s band played locally in LA, and he brought me to Tokyo for a one-nighter.
A major door opened when I met jazz woodwind legend Bennie Maupin who invited me into his LA-based ensemble in the ’90s. Bennie’s band played local clubs including World Stage and Blue Whale, as well as numerous jazz festivals. Bennie has been such a valuable mentor to me musically and spiritually. His performance schedule has slowed but we remain good friends with plans to continue our collaboration.
Approaching 40 and tired of hustling for gigs, I decided to finish my education and completed my BA at CalState LA, then my master’s degree at USC/Thornton. I joined the Thornton Jazz Studies faculty in 1999 and currently hold the position of Senior Lecturer, a fortunate colleague of Alan Pasqua, Russ Ferrante, Peter Erskine et al.
I’ve released three albums: “Daddy’s Groove,” “Blues… And Then Some,” and “8,” all available for streaming.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It was a challenge at first to connect to the LA community of musicians, but a cattle-call audition at the musicians’ union early on got me referrals for good-paying jobs and studio work. One rite of passage was doing 7-hour solo gigs in Dana Point. An hour’s drive each way and the marathon sessions made it easy for me to feel fine about any 4-hour call.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Playing piano, guitar, drums and electric bass makes me a versatile and collaborative player. I really enjoyed playing the split keyboard/guitar chair in every L.A. production of the Broadway musical RENT, starting with the 1997-98 run with Neil Patrick Harris, most recently a week at the Pantages in April 2022. I plan to keep my chops up on all the instruments and continue writing, gigging and recording.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up in the NYC metro area, my Mom was into the arts – I visited the museums, Broadway shows, and concerts. One memorable excursion was ditching high school one day to go into the city with my best friend to buy acoustic guitars on 48th Street. Seeing the Who play “Tommy” at Tanglewood was unforgettable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidarnay.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.arnay.5/
David Arnay Music: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054355102982
Image Credits
#6 – Bob Barry
