Dave Babcock

Dave Babcock is a Canadian saxophonist, singer, bandleader and producer who is originally from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Styles

Earlier in Dave's career the styles of music he was most interested in and comfortable playing were blues, jazz and R&B. He plays all saxophones but mostly tenor for jazz and blues while still very comfortable with alto and baritone. Babcock plays Selmer MK VI saxophones. The Temptations, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, k.d. lang and Taj Mahal are artists with whom he has played. He has opened for artists such as Dr. John, Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Pointer Sisters. Dave counts among his influences Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, and Stanley Turrentine.

History

Dave Babcock was born in Vancouver but moved to Edmonton and graduated from the Grant MacEwan College music program. The Return of the Formerly Brothers, on which Babcock made an appearance, won a 1988 Juno Award for best roots and traditional album. Long John Baldry's Right to Sing the Blues won the same award in 1996 and featured guests Dave Babcock and Colin James (with whom Babcock has played). Babcock has been a part of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival house band since 1995 and is a member of the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra.

Future

"I'm into music for the long haul and intend to play as long as I can. I want to continue to record my own albums, develop my sax playing, singing and writing and look for new musical possibilities. I'd like to record a new album every year or so and build my following through Canada and beyond. I also want to help the Edmonton jazz music scene continue to develop its players and help them gain more recognition nationally." (E-mail Interview with Michael Feehan)

Discography

(includes albums on which he appears)

• Jazz Notes (Dave Babcocks' Jump Orchestra and Various Artists)
• The Return of the Formerly Brothers
• Long John Baldry - Right to Sign the Blues
• Amos Garrett- Off the Floor Live
• Dave Babcocks' Jump Orchestra - Both Feet
• Edmonton Folk Music Festival-Compilation 1 (Various Artists)
• Jay McShann - Hootie’s Jumpin’ Blues
• Jay McShann - Still Jumpin’ the Blues
• Stony Plain’s 25 (Various Artists)
• Stony Plain’s Christmas Blues (Various Blues)
• Dave Babcock - Happenstance (solo debut album)

References

• Magic 99 biography
• Edmonton Jazz Festival Society
• Babcock, Dave October 17, 2008. E-mail interview.

External links

• Dave Babcock Website; discography
• "Tribute to Stanley Turrentine" CBC Radio 2 Concerts on Demand; Recorded: 19APR08; Edmonton, AB, Canada - "At Edmonton's intimate jazz venue, The Yardbird Suite, sax player Dave Babcock presents an evening in tribute to one of his musical heroes, saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. The concert swung with the soulful, west coast style of jazz that typified this iconic musician. Babcock is joined by drummer Sandro Dominelli, guitarist Jim Head, bassist Mike Lent, and Doug Organ on piano, Hammond organ, and vibes."