David Whitman - Oh, Hugo! (2022) [Hi-Res]

David Whitman brings a passion and deep respect for the music to the stage wherever and whenever he performs. Praised for his versatility, he possesses a high level of skill across a broad range of percussion styles and ensemble situations. Critics provide affirmation ; “His spirit echoes the playing of Art Blakey,” and “his goal of capturing the high standards of … prestigious jazz labels is dazzlingly achieved,” with playing that is hailed as “swinging,” “mesmerizing,” and “invigorating,” with “mesmerizing brushwork,” “youthful exuberance,” and “deft technical skill.”

As a young man David earned Masters and Doctoral degrees in music, putting his high level of energy and drive to good use. A jazz recording artist, David has also toured, performed, or recorded with The Who, Peter Townshend, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman, Meridian Symphony Orchestra, San Diego City Ballet, Pacific Lyric Opera, Johnny Mathis, Weird Al Yankovic, Roger Nierenburg, Rosemary Watson, The Legend of Zelda Symphony Orchestra, Rosemary Watson, Final Fantasy Symphony Orchestra, a host of touring Broadway shows, and so many others.

David’s first album as leader ("Oh, Clara!") was recently released on the North Park label to critical acclaim. He won an Independent Music Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album in 2018, as well as a nomination for Best Producer. His second album as leader (“Soul Flow”) won four Global Music Awards (Production, Composition, Jazz, Album --- all Silver), and three additional Independent Music Award nominations (Best Jazz Song, Best Blues Song, and Best Producer). He is an active member of the American Federation of Musicians, and has performed internationally. He is also a member of the International Academy of Performing Arts and Sciences, an adjudicator for the European-based International ENKOR competitions, a proud REMO Artist, and has held a teaching post at San Diego State University for over a decade, earning a doctorate in music early on in his twenties.

One of his favorite recent works, “Hope,” was premiered at the April 2021 Ropeadope Records Music and Arts Festival, and is a work about depression and struggle, as much as hope and light. In 2020 he composed “FAIR WAYNE" in response to the 2020 Supreme Court decision to deny Fair Wayne Bryant's request for review of his sentencing. In December 2019, The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire awarded David The President’s Award---a highly scrutinized award for success in the chosen field and the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an alumnus of the school.

Tracklist:
1.01 - David Whitman - Come What May (5:09)
1.02 - David Whitman - Strapped (4:12)
1.03 - David Whitman - Soft Eyes Sweet Lips (7:31)
1.04 - David Whitman - What It'd Be Like (5:46)
1.05 - David Whitman - Lullaby (4:38)