I am a Birmingham based pianist, composer and educator. I have studied music at The University of Birmingham and Birmingham Conservatoire (where I had the opportunity to study which such musicians as Hans Koller, Liam Noble & Mike Williams). Currently I am working with my own band [Greyish Quartet] and freelancing throughout the UK.
Over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to work with a number of well respected musicians including Soweto Kinch, Martin Speake, Gemma Weekes, Chima Anya, Patsy Fuller , Musa Okwonga and New York based artists ‘ iLLspoKinN‘ and ‘Why G?’. I hope to continue to collaborate with a wide variety of artists from around the globe. As an educator, writer and leader my previous and current clients include Birmingham Jazz, THSH, Birmingham Conservatoire, EC Arts, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Nu-Century Arts & The University of Birmingham.
During 2009/10 I was heavily involved in the national ‘Banded About’ project as a workshop leader. This project is a funded initiative to encourage music making in young children, specifically in a group context. This was an extremely rewarding and invaluable experience which undoubtedly helped to improve my skills as a musician (as well as a teacher). At the same time I was also tasked with the responsibility of co-leading and writing for the Banded About ‘Practitioner Ensemble’ along with acclaimed alto saxophonist Soweto Kinch.
I have been greatly influenced and inspired by a number of artists [Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade, Dave Binney, Bill Evans, Esperanza Spalding, Chick Corea, Eric Harland, Dave Holland, Ambrose Akiminsure, Walter Smith III, Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, Gretchen Parlato, J Dilla and Hiromi] bands [Brian Blade Fellowship, The Cinematic Orchestra, A Tribe Called Quest, Claudia Quintet,Slum Village, Miles Davis' 2nd Great Quintet,The Roots & People Under The Stairs] and contemporary composers [Joe Hisaishi, Thomas Newman, Yoko Kanno and Steve Reich].
When I am not making music, I concentrate my energies on photography and martial arts. I have been practicing various martial disciplines for over 10 years and run a club here in the second city.
Other credits include the title of Musical Director for a cutting edge dub poetry theatre production entitled ‘Genesis 9:25′. This was written by noted poet Kokumo and premiered at the Birmigham REP. I have also served as an accompanist for Don Kinch’s musical theatre production ‘Not Quite Gospel’ which toured the UK and was performed at such venues as Solihull Arts Complex and The Tabernacle Theatre in London.
I am also privileged to be a member of Birmingham’s Cobweb Collective and it’s Creative Composer’s Ensemble.
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David Austin Grey is supported by Terratag Clothing and endorsed by Roland UK.