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David Arnay spent his formative professional years in Ithaca, New York, where he was integral to numerous eclectic original band projects, including the Zobo Funn Band with guitarist David Torn. After moving to Southern California, he was recruited in 1994 by jazz woodwind legend Bennie Maupin for an exciting quintet that performed for several years. In 1997 David released his first CD as a leader. 'Daddy's Groove' featured performances by Maupin, drummer Peter Erskine, bassist Alphonso Johnson and other L.A. jazz luminaries, with a program of David's original compositions. 'I was delighted to be introduced to David Arnay's composing and playing talents at his record date. His is a fresh combination of well-chosen bits of contemporary music language plus innovative and original ideas. The resulting CD is a real pleasure to listen to... almost as much fun as making it was!' - drummer Peter Erskine 'The debut recording for pianist David Arnay is a hip, driving CD featuring excellent acoustic jazz. David has enlisted a veteran backing band comprised of Peter Erskine, Bennie Maupin, Alphonso Johnson and others who take all twelve selections into musically exciting and groovin' frontiers. Pianist Arnay has a solid blues base in his playing and displays quite a dazzling array of improvisations throughout the recording. He also composed and arranged all but one of the selections. Daddy's Groove is a refreshing acoustic jazz CD enriched in the tradition while also moving forward.' - Jazz Online 'I belong to a generation of players who value the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix as highly as we do Miles Davis and Art Tatum. The language of jazz is inclusive. I want to be heard by listeners who are into jazz and more. My music sounds new but somehow familiar, accessible for a large audience.'