I am a singer-songwriter who came of age playing lead guitar in a rock band for six years while studying music theory and composition at CSUN. Later under the tutelage of songwriter Jack Segal, I developed a love for the timeless lyrics and harmonies of jazz standards. I have found my voice as a writer by combining the passion of blues and rock with the craftsmanship and subtlety of jazz. My songs range from twisted blues to tender ballads. Hope you enjoy.
I have released three albums with the Upscale Blues Band entitled "Blue Groove", "A Deeper Shade of Blue" and "Blue Lover". The band consists of bassist Hussain Jiffry, drummer Tom Brechtlein, keyboardist Russell Ferrante and singer Jessica Purse. We were joined on Deeper Shade by Trombonist Wendell Kelly, Trumpeter Mike McGuffey and Trombonist Rick Rossi.
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David Wells latest album, "Blue Lover" is just released and on sale now!
The albums "Blue Groove" and "Deeper Shade of Blue" have been aired on over 150 radio stations around the world. Call your local station and request your favorite tune.
UpscaleBlues Band
Doc Wells
David "Doc" Wells is a singer-songwriter whose musical career was sidetracked for many years by his other passion (He is a chiropractor and acupuncturist with additional degrees in psychology and nutrition). His musical training includes six years in a rock band, undergraduate work in music theory and composition and tutoring in lyric writing by Jack Segal (writer of hits like "When Sunny Gets Blue"). He wrote the music and lyrics for all the songs presented here. He also arranged, produced, mixed and mastered the recordings.
Hussain Jiffry
In addition to playing bass on these tracks, Hussain provided the studio and engineering for the live recording. He also helped write and sing harmonies on backup vocals and generally served as co-producer. These tunes would never have turned out so well without Hussain's ear and his connections with all the other players. For anyone interested in the bass, these songs are a virtual compendium of bass chops. His credits include playing with Tom Scott, Jim Messina, Dave Weckl, Micheal Bolton, Whitney Houston, Carol King, Melissa Manchester, Dione Warwick, etc.
Jessica Purse
Jessica is my vocal coach and sings harmony on the songs. She has toured with Sergio Mendez (along with Hussain). She is cheerfulness personified. She even sings "Hello".
Tom Brechtlein
I first heard Tom playing drums live with Robben Ford. I had come to hear Robben but was blown away with Tom. I am thrilled to have him on my tunes. His credits include Al DiMeola, Chick Chorea, Wayne Shorter and Frank Gambale.
Russell Ferrante
Known primarily for his keyboard work with the YellowJackets, he has also played with Bobby McFerrin, Lee Ritenour, Erik Marianthal and many others. Russell's incredible talent, taste and good humor made our time together a joy. I am honored to have his contribution to my songs.
Other musicians who contributed to the project:
Rick Rossi
Grammy award-winning saxaphonist Rick Rossi has played with The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Cher, Stanley Clarke, Englebert Humperdink, Rosemary Clooney, Tommy Dorsey, Bobbie Womack, George Duke, Bobbie Caldwell and Shakira among others. He has also performed on the Tonight Show, Good Morning America, MTV and numerous film, television and Broadway shows. On the song, ?Drop-Dead Gorgeous?, he plays the baritone sax. That?s the instrument that sounds like someone is stepping on a giant goose.
Mike McGuffey
Mike played his trumpet with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Cab Calloway to the Temptations, Fifth Dimension and Marvin Hamlish. His playing is so hot he got a speeding ticket on the way to the recording session. You can hear his trumpet squealing and shaking those high notes at the end of ?Crazy For You?, ?Drop-Dead Gorgeous? and ?L.A. Shuffle?.
Wendell Kelly
Wendell?s credits include playing trombone for Stevie Wonder, The Rippingtons, Al McKay, Ray Conniff, Lionel Richie, Mel Torme, Fiona Apple, Temptations, Four Tops, Clint Black, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Lou Rawls, Little Richard, Herbie Hancock, Patti LaBelle and many others in addition to performing in numerous appearances on film and television. Just when the cop was approaching Mike to give him a ticket, Wendell was singing a message into Mike?s ear through his cell phone to let Mike know Wendell was going to be late for the gig. Wendell was worth waiting for because he brought a great ear for arranging and a lot of laughs to the session. You can hear his trombone sliding sensuously into the notes.
Niv Ashkenazi
This is Niv's first recording. He was just sixteen years old at the time but his passion for the violin can be heard in his playing.