Vibist/Marimbist Dave Samuels performing Bemsha Swing with his trio (Mark Walker, drums - Oscar Stagnaro, E.Bass) during the Berklee Percussion Festival in June 2009.
A VIBE Hall of Famer. I was lucky to have a couple of lessons with him in NYC in 1978. I took the train down from Boston. I met Jo Jones, the drummer, on the train! I remember Dave had this great laugh. The laugh of a deep thinker. He was original, unique, and borrowed everywhere, He cheerfully acknowledged-but never copied. He made it his own. He was a huge positive influence. Thanks
Tremendous command . He is not just playing vibes on the marimba like many other mallet players . He approaches the marimba as its own instrument . He is very approachable is a person as well . Spoken to him after a couple of performances and he is willing to share.
@Vibes4me I agree. My wife and I used to meet up with him at the Spyro shows back in the early 90's and as you say a great person as well as a great musician. To this day we still exchange emails and catch up.
Another VIBE Hall of Famer. I was lucky to have a couple of lessons with him in NYC in 1978. He has the great laugh of a deep thinker. He is totally unique and copied no one, yet borrowed everywhere and made it his own. He was a huge positive influence on me. Thank you. Alan Dawson recommended him to Gerry Mulligan. That says it all.