On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, host Darrell welcomes contemporary jazz icon David Benoit, a GRAMMY®-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger whose contributions have shaped the genre for over 40 years.
David takes us back to his early years, learning piano at six by ear, and his leap of faith into the music industry after dropping out of college. He recounts working with musical legends like Patti Austin, Dave Koz, and Brian McKnight, and creating chart-topping albums like Freedom at Midnight and Shadows.
Beyond jazz, David shares his passion for orchestral conducting, including performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and his work scoring films and TV, including Charlie Brown - This is America and Clint Eastwood’s productions.
But David’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He speaks candidly about his decade-long battle with kidney disease, the life-changing transplant he received from his wife, and how he overcame adversity to emerge healthier than ever at 71.
David also gives us a peek into his ongoing projects: a late-night solo piano album and Timeless, a big band masterpiece co-written with Nathan East. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the timeless power of music.
