Dave Samuels, with his distinct musical personality, has established himself as the top mallet player of his generation. He is recognized for his fresh new sound and creative approach to both the vibraphone and marimba. Dave has demonstrated his versatility and gained world wide recognition by performing and recording with a broad scope of artists ranging from Gerry Mulligan, Oscar Peterson, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Carla Bley and Paquito D'Rivera to the Yellowjackets, Pat Metheny, Bruce Hornsby, Frank Zappa, The Fantasy Brass Band and Spyto Gyra.

Born in Chicago, Samuels began his musical travels at age six playing drums and piano. It was while he was attending college that his interests in drums and keyboards converged and his interest turned towards the vibes and marimba. Dave first gained international exposure in 1974 as a member of the Gerry Mulligan sextet. He also co-founded, recorded and toured with three different groups during the next few years - Double Image, Gallery and the Skylight Trio.

Dave's longtime association with Spyro Gyra lasted from 1977 to 1994 and included 18 recordings. During that time the Grammy Nominated group was named #1 Contemporary Jazz Artist and Contemporary Jazz Group of the 80's by Billboard magazine.
Throughout his career, Samuels has been recognized by fans and critics alike for his quality in performance and recording. His awards include being voted Best Vibes Player in both Jazziz and Modern Drummer Magazine as well as numerous Grammy nominations.

His four solo recordings showcased his writing, performing and producing talents. His 1998 solo debut Living Colors (MCA) spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Radio and Records Contemporary Jazz chart. His second release entitled Ten Degrees North (MCA) featured Alex Acuna on drums and percussion, John Patitucci on bass, Steve Kahn on guitar and Eddie Daniels on clarinet. His third recording Natural Selection (GRP) featured the Yellowjackets and Bruce Hornsby and his latest release Del Sol (GRP) is an exploration of Latin Music featuring Dave Valentin, Andy Narell, Danilo Perez and Jorge Strunz. His music has been used in a variety of settings including television and film - most recently in the motion picture "The Firm".

Dave's current energies are focused on the highly original sounding Caribbean Jazz Project a sextet which features himself on vibes and marimba, Paquito D'Rivera on saxophone and clarinet and Andy Narell on steel drums. Their first Heads Up International 1995 release The Caribbean Jazz Project received critical acclaim and included a worldwide tour. Their much anticipated second release Island Stories captures the identity and intensity of this unique ensemble.

Other new recorded projects include Remembrances a percussion recording that features a commissioned marimba concerto for chamber orchestra and soloist composed by Jeff Beal and Open Hand a live recording celebrating twenty years of performance with Double Image - the original vibraphone and marimba duo with Dave Samuels and David Friedman.

February 1999