:: navigation
» main artist page
» music
» widgets and banners
» comments
» contact this artist
» add to 'favorite artists'
» music
» widgets and banners
» comments
» contact this artist
» add to 'favorite artists'
:: tags
blues
boogie-woogie
jazz
lounge
new orleans
piano
ragtime
solo
stride
:: artist infos
» member profile:
valis88
» genre:
Blues >
Blues General
» location:
David Jensen
» label: unsigned
Advertisement
David James Jensen
Advertisement
» go to the music page for more
David James Jensen has been performing nationally for over fifteen years with his energetic, eclectic style in a number of different capacities. Although currently based in the Washington D.C. area, he has spent much of his adult life back and forth between the Eastern shore and his favorite musical city New Orleans. Inspired by the rhythm and blues of Dr. John, James Booker and Allen Toussaint, he also splashes his music with everything from classical flourishes to the marching band rhythm of a Mardi Gras parade.
Why this name?
Well, I figured my name would be perfect to represent myself. Anything else could be rather confusing, couldn't it?
Do you play live?
Yes, I play live both solo and with different blues/jazz bands. Much of the time I spend in D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia, although I love to tour.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
Obviously it creates a wide selection of all the great and sometimes unheard artists that are out there in the world. I mean it's not everyday that you can find a local record store with this kind of awe-inspiring variety. If you really want to find fresh talent, you can't get much fresher than this.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Sure, although I really admire the grassroots approach that some artists have pulled off. As long as I would be able to share the sounds of my head I think that I'd go along with any audience that I could please. That's the bottom line: Good music and happy people.
Band History:
My solo history is sprinkled with dates that have ranged from dusty juke joints to lounges where you can hear a pin drop. (And yes, I can play Misty.)
The Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia areas have proved a good stomping ground to showcase my versions of early rhythm and blues to jazz, and liberally insert originals as well. My time spent in New Orleans greatly changed my views of music and the elasticity of genres, teaching me to employ the "kitchen sink" mentality to musical approach.
The Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia areas have proved a good stomping ground to showcase my versions of early rhythm and blues to jazz, and liberally insert originals as well. My time spent in New Orleans greatly changed my views of music and the elasticity of genres, teaching me to employ the "kitchen sink" mentality to musical approach.
Your influences?
The sounds of the New Orleans greats past and present, the classical genius of Chopin and Franz Lizst, the great Ray Charles, the soulful simplicity of Bill Withers, even the sound of my first instrument: the toy piano.
Favorite spot?
I'd have to say New Orleans, but I love the experiences I've had visiting and playing in Chicago, New York, Atlanta. Everywhere where there are people who can enjoy the music I play and where I can absorb some of the sounds of their scene. You just gotta love new places, fresh sounds to absorb.
Equipment used:
Well, being that I've been focusing on the solo piano/vocals lately, I'll encounter everything from the most beautiful, well tuned grands to some of the oldest, beat-up spinets. But sometimes the funkiest, loose keyed gigs can come out of strange packages. Love that barroom sound that brings you back to better times, you know?
Also, I have a Yamaha 88-keyed digital piano for the piano-less rooms. I have to admit that I prefer the real thing though.
Also, I have a Yamaha 88-keyed digital piano for the piano-less rooms. I have to admit that I prefer the real thing though.