Order of Canada recipient, Dr. Dave Young, is one of Canada’s most celebrated and valued bassists, composers, arrangers, and educators. Originally from Winnipeg, Dave has made his name known on both the Canadian and international stages in both jazz and classical music for the last 5 decades, and along the way has worked with some of the world’s top artists in various fields. Known for his elegant tone, impeccable time, and immense knowledge of musical history, Dave has been a first-call bassist for the likes of Oscar Peterson, Lenny Breau, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, and countless others. 

 

Dave’s career has reached the highest of heights in Canada, as he has not only played the best venues across the country, but has worked with an extensive list of some of Canada’s most respected musicians. That list includes such names as Peter Appleyard, Renee Rosnes, Don Thompson, Joe Sealy, Molly Johnson, and Guido Basso. His extensive career as an educator has also seen him mentor the likes of some of this country’s finest working musicians today, including Brandi Disterheft, Ross MacIntyre, and Robi Botos. 

 

Along with being a Member of The Order of Canada - his country’s highest civilian honour - Dave is a JUNO Award-winning musician and has several additional honours under his belt, including the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) Award for “Outstanding Service to Jazz.” He is a 7x Jazz Report winner, 6x National Jazz Award winner, and in 2017 was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2020, Dave concluded his 30-year tenure as a Professor at the University of Toronto’s Jazz department. Dave has continued to share his wisdom with students and jazz fans through workshops. In September 2021, Dave was featured on two segments as part of JazzComposersPresent.com out of Washington, DC, which is led by Dan Jamieson. 

 

Dave continues to spend his time performing throughout Toronto on a regular basis, as well as recording with his various groups. Dave frequently performed in Detroit alongside Spencer Barefield and Dave Murray at Dirty Dog Jazz Café and Cliff Bell’s, as well as the Detroit Jazz Festival. Throughout his many tours within the United States, Dave has performed to sold-out crowds at Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center, The Blue Note, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, Yoshi’s Oakland, and Birdland Jazz Club.

 

Along with consistent performing, Dave has released an album every year for the last five years including One Way Up (featuring Renee Rosnes) and Trouble In Mind (nominated for 2020 JUNO Award). 2021 is no exception. His latest album, ‘Mantra,’ releases on MODICA Music this fall and features well-known musicians Kevin Turcotte, Reg Schwager, Brian Dickinson, Perry White, and Terry Clarke.