David Darling (musician)
Encyclopedia
David Darling is an American cellist
and composer
. He won the Grammy award for Best New Age Album in 2010. He has performed and recorded with artists such as Bobby McFerrin
and Spyro Gyra
in addition to putting out several solo and small ensemble albums as well as albums of his compositions.
, Darling began studying cello at age 10 and continued on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in music education
from Indiana State University
. He took a position as elementary and secondary school instrumental ensemble director in Evansville, Indiana
in 1966, and in 1969 joined the faculty of Western Kentucky University
teaching music education and directing the community college orchestra. He joined the Paul Winter Consort
in 1970, as well as taking a position with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra
, and remained a member until 1987, when he left to pursue a solo career.
In 1986 Darling joined Young Audiences, Inc., an organization that seeks to educate children about music and the arts through in-school programs. In the same year, he founded Music for People, which seeks to encourage self-expression through musical improvisation.
In 2000 he recorded an unusual collaboration with the Wulu Bunun
, a group of Taiwanese aborigines
.http://www.worldmusic.net/home/features/darling.html
Darling's performance and composition draw on a wide range of styles, including classical
, jazz
, Brazilian
, African
, and Indian music
. He currently lives in Goshen, Connecticut
where he continues his active composing, teaching, and performing career.
In addition to his work as a solo and collaborative musician, he has written and performed music for more than a dozen major motion pictures, including Wim Wenders
's 1991 film Bis ans Ende der Welt (Until the End of the World
), Michael Mann's 1995 film Heat and the 1988 killer-doll horror film Child's Play. The popular Until the End of the World soundtrack
features Darling's performance of Graeme Revell
compositions alongside major acts like U2
, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
, Talking Heads
, R.E.M.
, Lou Reed
, and Elvis Costello
. He was one of several composers contributing music to Jean-Luc Godard
's Nouvelle Vague
films Eloge de L'Amour (2001) and Notre Music (2004).
In 2002 David was nominated for a Grammy award for his album Cello Blue.
Darling is a teacher of music improvisation and is a believer in the ability of every human to learn to express themselves musically. He co-founded Music for People http://www.musicforpeople.org, an organization which runs "music for everyone" workshops that are inspiring everyone from musical novices to professionals. All musical styles are honored, from Bach to boogie woogie.
In 2007 he recorded The Darling Conversations, a 3-CD set with Julie Weber discussing his music philosophy. It was issued on the Manifest Spirit Records label. His teaching methods are the subject of a book, Return to Child (2008). http://returntochild.com
In May 2008, he became part of a collaboration of music teachers, healers, and performers offering a training program in holistic and intercultural approaches to healing with sound and music at the New York Open Center Sound and Music School http://www.opencenter.org.
In January 2009, David release Prayer for Compassion, a follow-on to his earlier 8-String Religion.
With Ketil Bjørnstad
With Terje Rypdal
With Ralph Towner
Cello
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
and composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
. He won the Grammy award for Best New Age Album in 2010. He has performed and recorded with artists such as Bobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin
Robert "Bobby" McFerrin, Jr. is an American vocalist and conductor. He is best known for his 1988 hit song "Don't Worry, Be Happy". He is a ten-time Grammy Award winner.-Life:...
and Spyro Gyra
Spyro Gyra
Spyro Gyra is an American jazz fusion band that was originally formed in the mid-1970s in Buffalo, New York, USA. With over 25 albums released and 10 million copies sold, they are among the most prolific as well as commercially successful groups of the genre...
in addition to putting out several solo and small ensemble albums as well as albums of his compositions.
Biography
Born in Elkhart, IndianaElkhart, Indiana
Elkhart is a city in Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. The city is located east of South Bend, northwest of Fort Wayne, east of Chicago, and north of Indianapolis...
, Darling began studying cello at age 10 and continued on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in music education
Music education
Music education is a field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music. It touches on all domains of learning, including the psychomotor domain , the cognitive domain , and, in particular and significant ways,the affective domain, including music appreciation and sensitivity...
from Indiana State University
Indiana State University
Indiana State University is a public university located in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States.The Princeton Review has named Indiana State as one of the "Best in the Midwest" seven years running, and the College of Education's Graduate Program was recently named as a 'Top 100' by U.S...
. He took a position as elementary and secondary school instrumental ensemble director in Evansville, Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Evansville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the largest city in Southern Indiana. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 117,429. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for both Southwestern Indiana and the...
in 1966, and in 1969 joined the faculty of Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. It was formally founded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1906, though its roots reach back a quarter-century earlier....
teaching music education and directing the community college orchestra. He joined the Paul Winter Consort
Paul Winter Consort
The Paul Winter Consort is an American musical group, led by soprano saxophonist Paul Winter. Founded in 1967, the group mixes elements of jazz, classical music, world music, and the sounds of animals and nature. They are often classified as new age music or "ecological jazz", and their unique...
in 1970, as well as taking a position with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra
Nashville Symphony Orchestra
The Nashville Symphony is an American symphony orchestra, based in Nashville, Tennessee. The orchestra performs 140 concerts annually.-History:...
, and remained a member until 1987, when he left to pursue a solo career.
In 1986 Darling joined Young Audiences, Inc., an organization that seeks to educate children about music and the arts through in-school programs. In the same year, he founded Music for People, which seeks to encourage self-expression through musical improvisation.
In 2000 he recorded an unusual collaboration with the Wulu Bunun
Bunun People
The Bunun , also historically known as the Vonum, are a tribe of Taiwanese aborigines and are best known for their sophisticated polyphonic vocal music. They speak the Bunun language. Unlike other aboriginal tribes in Taiwan, the Bunun are widely dispersed across the island. In the year 2000 the...
, a group of Taiwanese aborigines
Taiwanese aborigines
Taiwanese aborigines is the term commonly applied in reference to the indigenous peoples of Taiwan. Although Taiwanese indigenous groups hold a variety of creation myths, recent research suggests their ancestors may have been living on the islands for approximately 8,000 years before major Han...
.http://www.worldmusic.net/home/features/darling.html
Darling's performance and composition draw on a wide range of styles, including classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
, jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
, Brazilian
Music of Brazil
The music of Brazil encompasses various regional music styles influenced by African, European and Amerindian forms. After 500 years of history, Brazilian music developed some unique and original styles such as samba, zouk-lambada, lambada, choro, bossa nova, frevo, maracatu, MPB, sertanejo,...
, African
Music of Africa
Africa is a vast continent and its regions and nations have distinct musical traditions. The music of North Africa for the most part has a different history from sub-Saharan African music traditions....
, and Indian music
Music of India
The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B. India's classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history spanning millennia and developed over several eras. It remains fundamental to the lives of Indians today as...
. He currently lives in Goshen, Connecticut
Goshen, Connecticut
Goshen is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 2,697 at the 2000 census.Each July, the Connecticut Agricultural Fair is held in town. It is also home to the Goshen players.-Geography:...
where he continues his active composing, teaching, and performing career.
In addition to his work as a solo and collaborative musician, he has written and performed music for more than a dozen major motion pictures, including Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders
Ernst Wilhelm "Wim" Wenders is a German film director, playwright, author, photographer and producer.-Early life:Wenders was born in Düsseldorf. He graduated from high school in Oberhausen in the Ruhr area. He then studied medicine and philosophy in Freiburg and Düsseldorf...
's 1991 film Bis ans Ende der Welt (Until the End of the World
Until the End of the World
Until the End of the World is a 1991 film by the German film director Wim Wenders; the screenplay was written by Wenders and Peter Carey, from a story by Wenders and Solveig Dommartin. An initial draft of the screenplay was written by American filmmaker Michael Almereyda...
), Michael Mann's 1995 film Heat and the 1988 killer-doll horror film Child's Play. The popular Until the End of the World soundtrack
Until the End of the World (soundtrack)
Until the End of the World is a soundtrack album to the film of the same name, released in 1991 on Warner Bros. Records. One song on the album—U2's "Until the End of the World", had been previously released on that band's 1991 album Achtung Baby—all of the other songs were original contributions,...
features Darling's performance of Graeme Revell
Graeme Revell
Graeme Revell is a New Zealand film score composer.Revell attended Auckland Grammar School, where he finished his final year in 7A...
compositions alongside major acts like U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are an Australian alternative rock band, formed in Melbourne in 1983. The band is fronted by Nick Cave and has featured international personnel throughout their career.-Formation and early releases :...
, Talking Heads
Talking Heads
Talking Heads were an American New Wave and avant-garde band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth and Jerry Harrison...
, R.E.M.
R.E.M.
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by singer Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. One of the first popular alternative rock bands, R.E.M. gained early attention due to Buck's ringing, arpeggiated guitar style and Stipe's...
, Lou Reed
Lou Reed
Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed is an American rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. He is best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, and for his successful solo career, which has spanned several decades...
, and Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
. He was one of several composers contributing music to Jean-Luc Godard
Jean-Luc Godard
Jean-Luc Godard is a French-Swiss film director, screenwriter and film critic. He is often identified with the 1960s French film movement, French Nouvelle Vague, or "New Wave"....
's Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague (film)
Nouvelle Vague is a 1990 film written and directed by Jean-Luc Godard. It follows the story of hitchiker Lennox credited as "Lui" , taken in by a wealthy industrialist, Elena Torlato-Favrini or "Elle" , played by Domiziana Giordano.The film was entered into the 1990 Cannes Film...
films Eloge de L'Amour (2001) and Notre Music (2004).
In 2002 David was nominated for a Grammy award for his album Cello Blue.
Darling is a teacher of music improvisation and is a believer in the ability of every human to learn to express themselves musically. He co-founded Music for People http://www.musicforpeople.org, an organization which runs "music for everyone" workshops that are inspiring everyone from musical novices to professionals. All musical styles are honored, from Bach to boogie woogie.
In 2007 he recorded The Darling Conversations, a 3-CD set with Julie Weber discussing his music philosophy. It was issued on the Manifest Spirit Records label. His teaching methods are the subject of a book, Return to Child (2008). http://returntochild.com
In May 2008, he became part of a collaboration of music teachers, healers, and performers offering a training program in holistic and intercultural approaches to healing with sound and music at the New York Open Center Sound and Music School http://www.opencenter.org.
In January 2009, David release Prayer for Compassion, a follow-on to his earlier 8-String Religion.
Discography
- Paul Winter Consort, 1970-77 (various title, with the Paul Winter ConsortPaul Winter ConsortThe Paul Winter Consort is an American musical group, led by soprano saxophonist Paul Winter. Founded in 1967, the group mixes elements of jazz, classical music, world music, and the sounds of animals and nature. They are often classified as new age music or "ecological jazz", and their unique...
) - Journal OctoberJournal OctoberJournal October is the debut album by cellist David Darling recorded in 1979 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Ron Wynn awarded the album 4 stars stating "Although not strictly a jazz album, David Darling's 1979 solo release, Journal October, deserves attention...
(ECM, 1980) - CyclesCycles (David Darling album)Cycles is the second album by cellist David Darling recorded in 1981 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars stating "Darling and his sidemen give the music a wide variety of sounds...
(ECM, 1981) - EosEos (album)Eos is the eleventh album by Norwegian jazz guitarist Terje Rypdal recorded in 1979 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Michael P...
with Terje RypdalTerje RypdalTerje Rypdal is a Norwegian guitarist and composer. Most of his music has been released on albums of the German record label ECM. Rypdal has collaborated both as a guitarist and as a composer with other ECM artists such as Ketil Bjørnstad and David Darling...
(ECM , 1984) - Amber, 1987 (with Michael JonesMichael Jones (new age pianist)Michael Jones is a New Age pianist, author, and lecturer.- Biography :Jones is a native of Ontario, Canada. His first album, Pianoscapes, was the first album released on the Narada record label.- Original discography :...
) - Homage, 1989 (with Peter KaterPeter KaterPeter Kater is an American composer, songwriter-singer and pianist who has several times nominated for Grammy awards.He is of German ancestry.-Filmography:-References:* * * * at Internet Movie Database...
) - Until the End of the WorldUntil the End of the World (soundtrack)Until the End of the World is a soundtrack album to the film of the same name, released in 1991 on Warner Bros. Records. One song on the album—U2's "Until the End of the World", had been previously released on that band's 1991 album Achtung Baby—all of the other songs were original contributions,...
, 1991 (soundtrack - four tracks composed by Graeme RevellGraeme RevellGraeme Revell is a New Zealand film score composer.Revell attended Auckland Grammar School, where he finished his final year in 7A...
) - CelloCello (album)Cello is a solo album by cellist David Darling recorded in 1991 and 1992 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Ron Wynn awarded the album 3 stars stating "Superior cello playing by David Darling, a brilliant stylist who's not strictly, or even mainly, a jazz player...
(ECM, 1992) - Migration, 1992 (with Peter KaterPeter KaterPeter Kater is an American composer, songwriter-singer and pianist who has several times nominated for Grammy awards.He is of German ancestry.-Filmography:-References:* * * * at Internet Movie Database...
) - Eight String Religion, 1993
- Dark WoodDark WoodDark Wood is a solo album by cellist David Darling recorded in 1993 and released on the ECM label. The album is Darling's third solo release following Journal October and Cello -Reception:...
, 1993 - Window Steps, 1996 (with Pierre FavrePierre Favre (musician)Pierre Favre is a Swiss jazz drummer and percussionist born in Le Locle, Switzerland, perhaps most noteworthy for his work with Irene Schweizer....
) - 96 Years, 2000 (with Patrick LeonardPatrick LeonardPatrick Raymond Leonard is an American songwriter, keyboardist and music producer, known for his longtime collaboration with Madonna on many different recordings....
} - Musical Massage - Balance, 2000 (with the Adagio Ensemble)
- Musical Massage - In Tune, 2001 (with the Adagio Ensemble and John MarshallJohn Marshall (musician)John Marshall is an American percussionist. He has worked with many musicians including David Darling, George Benson, Benjamin Verdery, and the Paul Winter Consort.-Professional career:...
) - Cello Blue, 2001 (Hearts of Space RecordsHearts of Space RecordsHearts of Space Records is an independent record label owned by Valley Entertainment.From the label’s website, “Launched in 1984, this record label was created as an extension of the weekly syndicated radio show Hearts of Space...
) - River Notes, 2002 (with Barry LopezBarry LopezBarry Holstun Lopez is an American author, essayist, and fiction writer whose work is known for its environmental and social concerns.-Biography:...
) - Refuge, 2002 (with Terry Tempest Willimas)
- The Tao of Cello, 2003 (Valley EntertainmentValley EntertainmentValley Entertainment is a United States music distributor and independent record label based in New York City. The company was founded in 1996 by Barney Cohen, president and CEO. In 2001, they acquired the prestigious back catalogue of space, ambient, and New Age music from Hearts of Space Records...
) - Open Window, 2003 (with John MarshallJohn Marshall (musician)John Marshall is an American percussionist. He has worked with many musicians including David Darling, George Benson, Benjamin Verdery, and the Paul Winter Consort.-Professional career:...
) - The Darling Conversations, 2007 (with Julie Weber)
- Prayer for CompassionPrayer for CompassionPrayer for Compassion is an album by David Darling, released through the record label Wind Over the Earth in 2009. In 2010, the album won Darling a Grammy Award for New Age Album.-Track listing:All songs by David Darling....
, 2009 - Into the Deep: America, Whaling & The World Original Soundtrack, 2010 (Valley EntertainmentValley EntertainmentValley Entertainment is a United States music distributor and independent record label based in New York City. The company was founded in 1996 by Barney Cohen, president and CEO. In 2001, they acquired the prestigious back catalogue of space, ambient, and New Age music from Hearts of Space Records...
)
With Ketil Bjørnstad
Ketil Bjørnstad
Ketil Bjørnstad is a Norwegian pianist and composer. Initially trained as a classical pianist, Bjørnstad discovered jazz at an early age and has embraced the emergence of "European jazz"....
- The SeaThe Sea (Ketil Bjørnstad album)-Track listing:# "I" - 6:58# "II" - 7:28# "III" - 4:40# "IV" - 8:49# "V" - 6:39# "VI" - 9:19# "VII" - 5:15# "VIII" - 2:39# "IX" - 5:47# "X" - 4:31# "XI" - 7:26# "XII" - 3:39*Recorded at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, Norway in September 1994-Personnel:...
(ECM, 1994) - The RiverThe River (Ketil Bjørnstad album)The River is an album by Norwegian pianist Ketil Bjørnstad with American cellist David Darling recorded in 1996 and released on the ECM label in 1997.-Reception:The Allmusic review awarded the album 3 stars.-Track listing:# "I" - 6:58...
(ECM, 1996) - The Sea IIThe Sea II-Track listing:# "Laila" - 5:26# "Outward Bound" - 4:52# "Brand" - 5:46# "The Mother" - 4:24# "Song for a Planet" - 4:04# "Consequences" - 6:28# "Agnes" - 4:26# "Mime" - 4:22# "December" - 3:18...
(ECM, 2000) - EpigraphsEpigraphs (album)-Track listing:# "Epigraph No. 1" - 3:04# "Upland" - 4:04# "Wakening" - 4:10# "Epigraph No. 1, Var. 1" - 1:39# "Pavane" - 3:39# "Fantasia" - 1:59# "Epigraph No. 1, Var. 2" - 2:20# "The Guest" - 2:41# "After Celan" - 3:46...
(ECM, 2000)
With Terje Rypdal
Terje Rypdal
Terje Rypdal is a Norwegian guitarist and composer. Most of his music has been released on albums of the German record label ECM. Rypdal has collaborated both as a guitarist and as a composer with other ECM artists such as Ketil Bjørnstad and David Darling...
- SkywardsSkywards (album)Skywards is an album by guitarist Terje Rypdal recorded in 1996 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Thom Jurek awarded the album 3 stars stating "Skywards is Rypdal's most openly schizophrenic yet satisfyingly ambitious work in many years".-Track listing:# "Skywards" -...
(ECM, 1995)
With Ralph Towner
Ralph Towner
Ralph Towner is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He plays the twelve-string guitar, classical guitar, piano, synthesizer, percussion and trumpet.-Biography:...
- Old Friends, New FriendsOld Friends, New FriendsOld Friends, New Friends is an album by guitarist Ralph Towner recorded in 1979 and released on the ECM label.-Reception:The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars calling it "An intriguing set well worth several listens"....
(ECM, 1979)
External links
- daviddarling.com: official site.
- DarlingConversations.com: David discussing music philosophy.
- Musicolog.com: David Darling.