Dave McKenna (May 30, 1930 – October 18, 2008)[1] was an American jazz pianist known primarily as a solo pianist and for his “three-handed” swing style. He was a significant figure in the evolution of jazz piano.
Career
He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, United States.[1] At age 15, McKenna worked in big bands with Charlie Ventura(1949) and Woody Herman’s Orchestra (1950–51).[2] He then spent two years in the military, in the Korea War, before returning to Ventura (1953–54).[2] During his career he worked in swing and dixieland settings with Al Cohn, Eddie Condon, Stan Getz, Gene Krupa, Zoot Sims, Joe Venuti,[3] and often with Bob Wilberand Bobby Hackett. McKenna released his first solo album in 1955. During the 1980s, he worked as a pianist at the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.[1]
Travel in Life 