.For more than two decades guitarist, composer and producer David Becker has continued to define himself as one of the best and most unique voices in contemporary jazz guitar by combining diverse influences and a passion for the new and different. He has the ability to play in the present while always keeping an eye on the past and future.
He has led the DAVID BECKER TRIBUNE to a worldwide audience by performing in more than 17 countries. Over the years, the DBT has shared the stage with such celebrated jazz acts as Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker and many more. German television journalist Roger Willemsen (ZDF) called him "One of the best Jazz guitarists ever." Jazz Podium and Downbeat called him "A poet on the Jazz Guitar." Jazz Thing and Gitarre & Basss called him” a virtuoso”. David has released 10 recordings many topping the jazz and contemporary music charts, two of which made it to the Grammy nominations. The DBT have performed at some of the most prestigious venues throughout the world including London's Barbicon Centre, Rotterdam's De Doelen, Munich's Olympia Halle and Buenos Aires’ Ateneo. The DBT has also appeared at several international jazz festivals including Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, Latvia, La Plata Jazz Festival, Argentina, and Jazz op den Berg, Belgium, Robert Norman Festival, Norway, and Hildener Jazz Tage, Germany.
In 2005, Becker released a duo effort with guitar master Joe Diorio, THE COLOR OF SOUND. The CD was called "One of the best Guitar duo recordings of all time." The latest DBT release LEAVING ARGENTINA is continuing to receive high praise by the international press. Down Beat gave it “4 Stars” and the BBC said,” Brilliant musicianship. A really lovely album, in fact”. His music can be heard on radio and television around the globe including ARD, The Weather Channel, Voice of America, XM and Sirius Radio, NPR, Europa Plus, and AEI In-Flight Entertainment.
David Becker has also performed with guitar greats such as Atilla Zoller, Larry Coryell, John Abercrombie and Kenny Burrell. He recently released an instructional book called GETTING YOUR IMPROVISING INTO SHAPE (Mel Bay/Acoustic Music). The book is a top seller and has received great reviews all over the globe. The book is available in English and German. He has performed master classes and workshops around the world including, UNT in Denton, U of Arts in Philadelphia, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Conservatorium, Maastricht, Hochschule, K�ln, Music Tech College, St.Paul, Guitar Summer Workshop, Freiburg, Academy of Contemporary Music, Zurich, Musicians Institute, Hollywood and USC Thornton School of Music.
In conjunction with the 65th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Japan, August 6, Becker announces the release of his latest recording, BATAVIA, with his world renowned trio the David Becker Tribune, and takes us on his most personal journey yet.
"This is by far the most personal and challenging project we have endeavored during our 25 year recording history," states Becker. "All of the compositions have been directly influenced by or written about the experiences of my mother's family in Indonesia and Holland during WWII. She, along with her mother, younger brother and stepfather spent four years in a concentration camp in Indonesia, while her father, older brother and sister were under siege in Holland."
With 13 instrumental tracks, Becker transports the tragedy of his family from incarceration through liberation to the mind's eye of the listener. Each of the individual compositions is explained with short well written text in the 12 page CD booklet which also contains intimate family photos. "The Japanese Government has yet to take responsibility for what occurred," states Becker. "With the release of BATAVIA, it is my goal to bring attention to this terrible tragedy and begin making inroads to get my family, (particularly my mom and her dear friend Edith who are still alive to tell the story), and the thousands of people interned with them the restitution they so deserve."
This is a highly emotional recording and it is precisely this spiritual force that makes it such a powerful attraction, from which the listener cannot escape. Accompanied as usual in the DBT are David's brother Bruce on drums and Bolle Diekmann on bass. The CD also features some very special guest artists including the Yellowjackets' Russell Ferrante on piano.
