Dave Askren DaWayMusic@yahoo.com
Los Angeles based guitarist Dave Askren has performed with a wide variety of jazz artists including Bobby Shew, Sal Cracciolo, David King and Reid Anderson (“The Bad Plus”) Bob Moses, Antonio Hart, Delfeayo Marsalis, Hendrik Muerkins, Stuart Hamm, Gray Sargent, Kevin Eubanks, Gary Foster, Tony Rizzi’s “Wire Choir” with Pete Christlieb, Mike Vax, Jimmy Branly, as well as pop artists including Marilyn McCoo, Latoya Jackson, Linda Hopkins, Little Anthony, The Coasters, The Platters, The Drifters, The Marvelletes, and Brenton Wood.
While living in Boston, Dave taught guitar at Berklee College of Music (where he graduated),and also studied privately with noted musicians such as saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, pianist Charlie Banacos, guitarist Mick Goodrick and drummers BobMoses and Bob Gullotti.
Since relocating to Los Angeles, Dave has performed/toured with many artists in various stylesfrom Jazz to R&B pop to Classical to Latin. For Askren’s critically acclaimed jazz release “Re Bill Evans”(String Jazz SJRCD1029), his first outing as a leader, he chose a guitar/bass/drums setting to showcase his jazz talents. He is also a featured soloist, along with Bobby Shew, on the latin jazz CD “Rhubumba” (SeaBreeze Jazz SB-3067.) His new release “Some Other Things” was released in February ’06 and is currently receiving national airplay.
"This is an excellent CD. The arrangements, and all the quartet members, are outstanding ... another gem from Sea Breeze." - Ric Bang/Enterprise jazz critic“One of the fresh surprises of this album is guitarist Dave Askren's lyrically flowing bop-flavored guitar lines, which hark back to Wes Montgomery and GrantGreen.” - All About Jazz
"...a thoroughly worthwhile CD. Recommended." - Jazz Now
"...the kind of tribute album that is deserving of its own high regard.. That he succeeds so admirably is worthy of wild applause." -Jazz Review
"Every Bill Evans fan and most jazz guitar fans will want to add this one to their collections.” - Audiophile Edition
"This recording is of interest to listeners who like Bill Evans and guitar, and are interested inhearing some well-executed approaches to combining the two." - Jazz Improv
"The leader’s guitar speaks with clarion authority and a fresh attack that remains loose and confident. His sound takes hold and drives this enjoyable, personable session. " (Some Other Things) - All About Jazz
"With a front line of Jacques Voyemant, Bobby Shew, and guitarist Dave Askren… the group (Rhubumba) can count itself as one of the better Southern California Latin-jazz outfits.” -Jazz Times
