David Whitman is an internationally renowned recording artist and one of Southern California’s preeminent percussionists. Recently hailed by one critic as the “percussion guru,” he has dedicated his life to his drumming and musicianship and his book The Daily Drummer has been described by readers as "genius" and "gold." His latest album Ode to Joe out on Shifting Paradigm Records has thrilled critics on five continents. Praised for his versatility and musicianship, David possesses a high level of skill across a broad range of percussion styles and ensemble situation with critics exclaiming ; “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” and “invigorating,” with “mesmerizing brushwork,” “youthful exuberance,” and “deft technical skill,” “uncommonly funky drummer,” “amazing” and on and on with scores of similar comments from a sea of critics. His debut album Oh, Clara! won the Independent Music Award for Best Album: Jazz Instrumental at the Lincoln Center in 2018. As a young man David earned Masters and Doctoral degrees in music, putting his high level of energy and drive to good use. Not only a jazz recording artist, David has also performed as a percussionist with many artists and touring Broadway shows, many world premieres, and so on with many other such well known acts and artists, regularly performing in front of large audiences. David’s first album as leader, Oh, Clara!, was released on the North Park label to critical acclaim, winning an Independent Music Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album in 2018, as well as a nomination for Best Producer. His second album, 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). His most recent jazz septet release, Oh, Hugo!, continues to receive accolades and is his second effort on the Ropeadope Records label. Ode to Joe has been his most widely internationally acclaimed album to date, released by Shifting Paradigm Records to overwhelmingly positive reviews from those looking for fiery jazz and world class musicianship. Dr. Whitman has also served as faculty in the School of Music and Dance at San Diego State University for 13 years. He is a member of the International Academy of Performing Arts and Sciences, an adjudicator for the European-based International ENKOR competitions, and a proud REMO Artist. His most recent solo work, “Hope,” 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, and he continues his advocacy for racial justice and civil rights, broadly. In 2019, The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire awarded David their most distinguished 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.
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