bio

Dave Robbins is one of Canada’s premier jazz drummers and a first-rate composer, arranger and jazz educator. Though well known as a sideman for his exciting big band work and sensitive trio playing, Robbins is now leading his own sextet. They've just released their first CD entitled 'At The Mark' in which he’s written every tune except one.

Dave grew up in Victoria and was educated at McGill University in Montreal were he received his Masters in Jazz Studies. While in Montreal he toured and recorded in bands with Vic Vogel, Joe Sullivan, Altsys, and the Streetnix among others. In 1996 he could no longer resist the pull of the west coast, and is thrilled to have moved back. He is kept very busy playing for Hugh Fraser, Campbell Ryga, Denzal Sinclaire, Miles Black, and Mike Allen to name a few.

Dave has played music all over the world, in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Finland, France, Holland, and Ireland. Musicians he has recently performed with include: Gary Bartz, Dee Daniels, Slide Hampton, Buddy Montgomery, Bob Minzer, Kenny Werner, and Dave Young.

Dave is also very involved as an educator. After teaching at McGill's Conservatory of Music while in Montreal, and being offered a position in McGill University’s prestigious Jazz Studies program, he is now on the music faculty at Capilano College where he instructs arranging, drums, piano, and large ensembles. Dave is also on faculty at the Courtenay Youth Music Centre’s Summer Jazz Workshop. As well as institutional educating, Dave does clinics and private instructing while on the road and at home.

discography

Bill Coon Trio - Speakeasy - 2003
Jill Townsend Big Band - Tales from the Sea - 2003
Dave Robbins Sextet - At The Mark - 2002
Hugh Fraser Quintet featuring Slide Hampton - A Night in Vancouver - 2002
V.E.G.I. - Big Works - 2002
Stu Loseby - My Kingdom for a Reed - 2002
Hard Rubber Orchestra - Rub Harder - 2001
Ed Philps - Mighty Fingers - 2001
Junction - Self Portrait - 2001
Karin Plato - Snowflake Season - 2000
Vince Mai - For All We Know - 2000
Mike Allen - Change Is - 2000
Denzal Sinclaire - I Found Love - 2000
V.E.G.I. - 'V' - 1999
Mike Allen - One Side of a Circle - 1999
George Blondheim - A Little Christmas Jazz - 1998
Christine Duncan - The Vogue Show - 1998
Saul Berson - From Here to Beyond - 1998
Hard Rubber Orchestra - Cruel Yet Fair - 1998
Christine Duncan - Different Standards - 1997
Joe Sullivan Sextet - Rumours from the Soul - 1997
Vic Vogel - Le Jazz Big Band - 1996
Altsys Jazz Orchestra - Uncorked - 1996
Mike Allen - Quintet/Quartet - 1995
Streetnix - Ugly Bags of Mostly Water - 1994
McGill Jazz Ensemble - Poppin' the Cork - 1993
Vic Vogel - Le Big Band - 1988
McGill Jazz Ensemble - Day and Night - 1988
James Jazz - untitled - 1982
Pink Steel - Won't Come in your Hand - 1981
Pink Steel - A Taste of Pink Steel - 1981