“Music is the glue that binds us together”

Everyone needs a go-to guy.  You know the type…they’re the one that everyone turns to.  One of the most sought after go-to guys in the jazz circle is keyboardist, David Garfield.  This guy has the staying power that most others don’t possess and because of his well-rounded know how, he has lasted 30+ years in a business that can chew you up or pass you by.

David was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.  With a piano in his house, it was only logical that everyone would learn to play.  “I started playing in second grade, taking lessons.  Later on in the school band I played drums, since there was no piano in the band I switched to drums.  I passed the rhythm test and was a drummer.  When the rock and roll craze hit in the 60s, I got a drum set and I was going to be a rock and roll drummer and let the piano go.  I rediscovered the piano in the 70s when jazz started to gain popularity.  That’s when I picked up the piano again.”  After playing in his high school band, and with the encouragement of several teachers, David made the decision to have a career in music.  “At age 16 or 17, I was playing in St. Louis clubs with guys that were 19 & 20 years old.  Not every place I played had a piano, so I started on an electric piano, which I could take with me.”  At age 18, with his Fender Rhodes and a couple hundred dollars in his pocket, David made the drive to Los Angeles to begin his career, like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, and other artists he admired.

Once in L.A., David started playing around the local clubs.  “There was just so much music going on there.  I was really getting into the fusion scene, which is what the jazz with Latin influences and contemporary vibes was called back then.”  He started his own band around the same time that Jeff Lorber started Jeff Lorber Fusion.  “We were doing the exact same thing at the exact same time.  My band and I were doing well and packing the house for our shows.”  His break came when he was discovered by Latin Jazz artist, Willie Lobo, and then things took off after that.

David played with Freddie Hubbard, Tom Scott, and Boz Scaggs, and then delivered the first CD of his own in 1983.  In 1986, he began a relationship with George Benson that continues today, and who David is currently touring with.  He continued to build his resume and has played with so many of the smooth jazz favorites and others like Michael Lington, Rick Braun, Richard Elliott, the Brecker Brothers, George Duke, and Smokey Robinson.  One day he would love to be able to add Sting, Eric Clapton, or Peter Gabriel to that list.

Besides playing with so many heavy hitters, David has built a very fine solo career, and has been the lead for a number of bands.  The first of these bands was Karizma, which he formed with top session players Carlos Vega, Lenny Castro, Mike Landau and Jimmy Johnson.  Los Lobotomys was then formed in 1985 by David and guitarist Steve Lukather from Toto.  Both bands have seen great successes.  Now he can be found touring with David Garfield & the Cats.   And if that weren’t enough, David has also started his own production company, Creatchy Productions, which has produced music for many artists.

David thinks back to his days of starting his career, the people that encouraged him, and those who influenced his music.  “For today’s up-and-comers, I would encourage them to follow their dreams by learning all styles of music, learn to read music, sing if you can, and always practice, practice, practice…and listen.  Listen to everything you can.”

When not on the road, in the studio, writing or producing, David tries to spend time with his wife, Patricia, and his cat, Charlie.  His outside hobbies include yoga or being at the beach.  “Anytime I can be near water, in any kind of weather, I am at peace,” says David.

So keep an eye out for this go-to guy.  His career is sure to continue for at least another 30 years. For more information on David Garfield and his career or current projects, check out www.davidgarfield.com or www.creatchy.com.