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David Witham

David Witham studied piano with Jaki Byard at the New England Conservatory of Music, and Alan Broadbent in Los Angeles. He's had writing and performing associations with saxophonist Ernie Watts, bassist / composer Jay Anderson, the Jeff Gauthier Goatette, and percussionist Luis Conte. David was Musical Director for George Benson from 1990-2007, and has also served as a producer for Tom Scott and Grover Washington. Recording and performance credits include Barbra Streisand, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Jose Feliciano, John Patitucci, Bluezeum, Joao Bosco, Larry Carlton, Randy and Michael Brecker.

David was also the Associate Conductor for the show WICKED during it's two year run at the historic Pantages Theater in Hollywood, as well as serving as an assistant conductor for the musical version of Lion King at the same venue.

In 2019 David music directed the show LIGHTS OUT : Nat King Cole at the Geffen Theater in Los Angeles and in 2020 he accompanied Chrissie Hynde and Dave & Phil Alvin on the Mose Allison tribute album If You’re Going To The City.

In 1999 David began producing a Public Access television show centered around music and performers called "Portable Universe". Episodes and segments from the show can be viewed at www.portableuniverse.tv as well as PADNET in Long Beach (Spectrum ch. 32 / Frontier ch. 41 and on demand @ www.padnet.tv), and they feature artists from around the world.

Branching out from there, David formed a production company called Witham Section Media, and has produced videos for Nels Cline, Alex Cline, Mocean Worker (aka Adam Dorn), Eclipse Quartet, the Christian Jacob Trio, and the Tierney Sutton Band.

Awards

2019 WAVE (Western Access Video Excellence) Award for a concert video of the 2018 Alex & Nels Cline duo concert produced by the Jazz Bakery.

Gear

Kawai MP-10 Digital Piano (Kawai Artist), Yamaha MONTAGE 8 and Tenori-on synths, Hammond C3, Main Squeeze Accordion, Korg Kaoss Pads, Bleep Labs Thingamagoop, LP Bass Kalimba

David Witham: A Sideman Steps Out

by Paul Olson
April 14, 2008

You may not know keyboardist David Witham's work, but the chances are actually pretty good that you've actually seen him play. As the musical director for jazz/pop guitar icon George Benson, the L.A. based Witham has put in plenty of road time, and he's also done side work with Chick Corea, k.d. lang, Randy and Michael Brecker, Ernie Watts and Jeff Gauthier.It's great to be a working musician, and Witham never has to worry about being out of ...

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The Jazz Session

David Witham: Completing The Circle

by Jason Crane
August 6, 2007

On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews keyboardist and composer David Witham. Witham is George Benson's musical director, a gig he's held down for more than 20 years. His resume includes everyone from Michael Brecker and Eddie Harris to k.d. lang, Jose Feliciano and Paul Anka. On his new album, Spinning The Circle (Cryptogramophone, 2007), Witham assembles an all-star cast from across the musical spectrum to play primarily his own compositions.Listen ...

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Album Review

David Witham: Spinning the Circle

Read "Spinning the Circle" reviewed by Mark F. Turner

by Mark F. Turner
July 7, 2007

Pianist David Witham has worked in many settings and musicians, including maintaining the position of pianist/musical director for contemporary jazz guitarist George Benson for over twenty years. But other sides of his creativity surface on Spinning the Circle, proving, once again, why one shouldn't pigeon-hole a musician into any specific category. Like the refraction of light by a prism, many of Witham's colors are vibrantly displayed in the recording--each distinct and compelling--showing a depth in a variety ...

153

Album Review

David Witham: Spinning the Circle

Read "Spinning the Circle" reviewed by John Kelman

by John Kelman
July 2, 2007

When your resume ranges from being the musical director/pianist for George Benson for the past two decades to charter member with intrepid Cryptogramophone label head/violinist Jeff Gauthier's Goatette, what do you do for your very first album as a leader? In the case of David Witham, it's to collect friends from across the musical spectrum he's worked in for his entire career and bring them together for a first meeting that's as eclectic and unpredictable as one might expect.

Guest ...