Dave Young

Order of Canada recipient Dr. Dave Young is one of Canada’s most celebrated and valued bassists, composers, arrangers, and educators. Originally from Winnipeg, Young has made his name known on both the Canadian and international stages in both jazz and classical music for the last five decades, and along the way has worked with some of the world’s top artists in various fields. Known for his elegant tone, impeccable time, and immense knowledge of musical history, Young has been a first-call bassist for the likes of Oscar Peterson, Lenny Breau, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, and countless others.

Young’s career has reached the highest of heights in Canada, as he has not only played the best venues across the country, but has worked with an extensive list of who’s-who in this country in terms of players. That list includes such names as Peter Appleyard, Renee Rosnes, Don Thompson, Joe Sealy, Molly Johnson, and Guido Basso. His extensive career as an educator has also seen him mentor the likes of some of this country’s finest working musicians today, including Brandi Disterheft, Ross MacIntyre, and Robi Botos.

Along with being a Member of the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian honour, Young has countless awards under his belt, including the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) Award for “Outstanding Service to Jazz.” He is a seven-time Jazz Report winner, a six-time National Jazz Award winner, and was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2017.