Biography

A talented vibraphonist and marimba player, Dave Samuels gained his greatest fame for his many years with Spyro Gyra. He started on his first instrument, the drums, when he was six, but by the time he attended Boston University (he graduated with a psychology degree), he was studying mallet instruments. Samuels attended the Berklee School of Music, where one of his teachers was Gary Burton, and he soon became an educator himself. Samuels had the opportunity to work with Pat Metheny and John Scofield while in Boston, and then, in 1974, he toured and recorded with Gerry Mulligan. Other early experiences included working with the group Timepiece, Frank Zappa, and Double Image, where he interacted with fellow vibraphonist Don Friedman from 1977 to 1980. Samuels began his association with Spyro Gyra in 1979 by guesting on their recordings; finally, in 1986, he became a member whose solos jazz critics went out of their way to praise. He released his own records, which tended to be commercial, for MCA and GRP. After leaving Spyro Gyra in the mid-'90s, Samuels did some impressive work with the Caribbean Jazz Project. Sticking mostly to marimba with the band (which he co-led with steel drummer Andy Narrell and altoist/clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera), Samuels was at his best during their very likable concerts. After a long-term illness, he died in 2019. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi