Dave Carpenter Remembered

Randall Robinson

Jazz Near You Administrator since 2008

Longtime Hollywood Cinematographer, began his showbiz career as a jazz drummer, literally growing up on a sound stage.

Recent articles (6 total)

Published: July 2, 2008

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Alan Pasqua: Rarely in life, we have the privilege of creating music with another who sees as we do, hears as we do, thinks as we do. Words at this point become unnecessary. Dave was one of those guys. His contribution to the trio was immeasurable, and he will always be my first baseman. We will read a great deal about what a great musician Dave was. I also want to say that as great as an artist that Dave was, he was an even better human being and friend. He was extraordinarily smart and articulate, and he was a gentle guy. He was always so sweet to my daughter Greta, and he made a lasting impression on her. Kids don't lie. We all miss and love you, Dave.

Peter Erskine: Dave left his home town of Dayton, Ohio in 1983 to tour with the Buddy Rich band, and then worked with major artists including Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Mike Stern, Allan Holdsworth, Sadao Watanabe, Alan Pasqua, Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Celine Dion, Michel Legrand, Barry Manilow, Toots Thielemans, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, Lalo Schifrin, Michael McDonald, Hubert Laws and Clare Fischer.

Peter Erskine on playing in the pocket: Dave always WATCHED the drummer, something he learned to do while playing with Buddy Rich. It proved to be a wonderful way of playing in the rhythm section, especially in the piano trio when we would tackle really slow tempos. We could "open" up a bar by playing the next bar's downbeat on the "phat" or late side, and Dave would always be right there.

Dave was simply one of those bass players who made the drummer sound better, and made the whole band feel better. He had the ears, the hands, the touch, the experience, hours, wisdom and the soul. Dave Carpenter understood what it was to be a bassist, all the while being able to comp and play melodies while walking on the electric 6-string. Unbelievable. No else like him, he was a one-in-a-million musician.

Carp was hailed by listeners and critics alike for his playing on both acoustic and electric basses. He was not only a bassist's bassist, but a pianist's bassist, a drummer's bassist. Dave Carpenter was a BAND's bassist supreme. He made any piece of music sound and feel better by his incredible musicianship, uncompromising beat and unerring ability to choose the right note at the right time. His musical presence will be sorely missed by all who knew and heard him.

Dave Carpenter
November 4, 1959 ~ June 24, 2008