Quotes and Testimonials

I have known Dave Say for many years and in addition to being one of the nicest people I have ever met he is an amazing saxophonist. Dave can play every way and any way. You want bebop? He can do that, you want something more modern? He can do that no problem. A wonderful musician and amazing saxophonist.”

— Cory Weeds - Saxophonist, Owner of the Cellar Music Record Label

...the smart, elegant contemporary jazz performance is so immaculate that I didn't realize this was a live recording until the applause. Consummate professionalism; Dave Say (and his bandmates) sound great.”

— Alexander Varty - The Georgia Straight - regarding the recording Casual Coordinates (ESQ)

The saxophone is one of my most favourite instruments to listen to in any genre and style of music. When you want to hear one of the best players of the sax, you must hear Dave Say. He grooves, he swings, he's funky, he composes, he's a leader, and most of all, he's a great storyteller.”

— Dee Daniels, Vocalist (Spiritual Artist of the Year, Western Canadian Music Awards; Global Music Award winner)

One of the most sincere and heartfelt players on the scene. Dave Say always delivers...”

— Miles Black, Juno-award winning multi-instrumentalist

I have known and worked with Dave Say for nearly thirty years now on the Vancouver live music scene, and have seen him light up the stage with his electrifying solos in so many different musical situations. He is equally at home with complex, original jazz music, classic R&B funk and soul, freely improvised settings, and everything in between. His playing is steeped in the tradition of the great saxophone players in the pantheons of Jazz and R&B , but the passion and honesty with which he plays are all his own. I am a huge Dave Say fan, needless to say, if you will pardon the pun.”

— Brad Turner, trumpeter, multi- Juno Award and Canadian National Jazz Awards winner

I’ve always enjoyed playing with Dave Say. He’s a beautiful tenor player with a big sound, he plays with heart and soul, and he’s got all the bags covered from Stan Getz to Coltrane. Looking forward to our next gig!”

— Oliver Gannon, Order of Canada recipient, jazz guitarist.

Projects

Blue Highways

Original compositions in contemporary jazz

Dave is renowned as first-call band member, but attentive listening rooms and festival stages see him leading his own group through intense original compositions, suspenseful improvisations, and interpretations of favourite standards. At times, (like many of us during the pandemic!), the music is sullen and broody, but then intense joy and true playfulness emerge. It is serious music dwelling on the frustrating riddles of life, but then the sun bursts through the dark clouds making it all the more joyful. At times, the somber mood is explored to the edges of its pain. On other tunes, a joyful twinkle in the eye and a smile at the corner of the lips inspire meditation and heart contentment within the groove. Listeners lucky enough to be present will inevitably open themselves up to self-reflection, and be inspired by how in the moment these gifted musicians are. Listeners will learn something about their souls as they Dave's trio dives deep and lays heart and soul bare. It's music for a fresh grey day on a blue highway. 

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    Radiance

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    Still Life

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Sample Video

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