About David Arnay
Pianist David Arnay performs regularly in L.A. as a soloist, leader of his own jazz group, and as a busy sideman. He was recruited by jazz woodwind legend Bennie Maupin for his new quintet, thrived for several years, performing Arnay’s compositions along with Maupin’s. Arnay performed all keyboard tracks on guitarist Phil Upchurch’s CD Tell the Truth (Evidence, 2001), which earned three stars in Downbeat. Arnay also played guitar and keyboards for the original Los Angeles production of the Broadway hit musical RENT starring Neil Patrick Harris, for over 250 performances.
Arnay released Daddy’s Groove, his first CD as a leader, in 1997 for Band Together Records. The disc featured woodwind performances by Maupin and Bob Sheppard, with drummer Peter Erskine and bassists Alphonso Johnson and Dave Carpenter. Daddy’s Groove received national distribution and strong reviews.
Arnay’s second CD release as leader was the self-produced trio project, Blues… And Then Some (Studio N, 2003). With drummer Dave Tull and bassist Larry Steen, the album presented eight original compositions along with fresh arrangements of “In A Sentimental Mood,” “Isfahan,” and “Have You Met Miss Jones.” The CD remains in regular rotation in Los Angeles (KKJZ) and Seattle (KPLU).
After completing the master’s degree program at the USC/Thornton School of Music in 1999, Arnay was invited to join the USC faculty. Now a senior lecturer, he continues to teach full-time.
