Pianist David Arnay, born in New York City, spent his formative professional years in Ithaca, New York. His keyboard work was essential to a series of original musical projects including a lengthy collaboration in the eclectic Zobo Funn Band with influential guitarist/composer David Torn.

In Los Angeles, Arnay was recruited in 1994 by jazz woodwind legend Bennie Maupin for his new quintet. The group thrived for several years, performing Arnay’s compositions along with Maupin’s. Alphonso Johnson played bass. “Playing with Bennie brought me to one of the coolest branches of the jazz family tree. He really helped me to listen more carefully, to leave more space and respect silence. A true mentor.”

In 1997 Arnay released Daddy’s Groove, his first CD as a leader, 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.

David performed all keyboard tracks on guitarist Phil Upchurch’s CD Tell the Truth (Evidence, 2001), which earned three stars in Downbeat. Upchurch is known as a versatile trans-genre artist; in Arnay’s playing and writing he recognized a shared sensibility.

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 (KJZZ).

David played guitar and keyboards for over 250 performances of the original Los Angeles production of the Broadway hit musical RENT starring Neil Patrick Harris. He appeared in all subsequent runs of RENT in L.A., at the Pantages and Dolby theaters. Self-taught since childhood on guitar, bass and drums, the paths he finds on these other instruments are vital to his compositional process.

After completing the master’s degree program at the USC/Thornton School of Music in 1999, David was invited to join the USC faculty. Colleagues at USC have included jazz and pop masters Bob Mintzer, Alan Pasqua, Russell Ferrante, Ndugu Chancler, Patrice Rushen, Peter Erskine and Alphonso Johnson. As a teacher, introducing newcomers to the jazz tradition and approach continues to be especially rewarding. “When classically trained players discover that they don’t need to rely on written music, it’s like watching a new creature being born.”

Having performed in Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland and Japan, David is eager to reach the international jazz audience with his latest album “8.” Co-produced by Arnay and Michael Lizarraga, the album employs a unique concept. Opening with a solo piano rendition of “Caravan” the album adds a new instrument on each track up to the closing octet “Dream Groove.” With Peter Erskine on drums and a cast of A-list L.A. musicians, the album provides a compelling, evolutionary listening experience.

On the faculty since 1999, Arnay is a full-time senior lecturer for the USC/Thornton School of Music Jazz Studies department. He performs regularly in L.A. as a soloist, leader of his own jazz group, and as a busy sideman. He’s held a residence at the upscale supper club Parkway Grill in Pasadena since 1989.