David Friesen
American jazz bassist known for double bass and electric upright bass.
David Friesen (born May 6, 1942) is an American jazz bassist whose instruments include the double bass and electric upright bass. He first picked up the bass during his time in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. Over his career, he has performed alongside John Handy, Marian McPartland, Joe Henderson, and Billy Harper, with whom he toured Europe in 1975. That same year, he released his first album as a session leader. In 1976, he began a frequent collaboration with guitarist John Stowell. He appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1977 with Ted Curson, and later worked with Ricky Ford, Duke Jordan, Mal Waldron, and Paul Horn. His 1989 album *Other Times, Other Places* peaked at No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. Friesen has also shared the stage with Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Kenny Garrett, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1942-05-06
- Birth Place
- Tacoma, Washington, U.S.
- Spouse
- Kirsten Friesen (1964–2002)
- Children
- 3
- Relatives
- Dyan Cannon (sister) / Jennifer Grant (niece)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
David Friesen began playing bass while serving in the United States Army in Germany. He played with John Handy and Marian McPartland, then with Joe Henderson, and in 1975 toured Europe with Billy Harper. His first album as a session leader, *Color Pool*, appeared that same year. In 1976, he began a long collaboration with guitarist John Stowell. He appeared with Ted Curson at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1977, and later worked with Ricky Ford, Duke Jordan, Mal Waldron, and Paul Horn.
Reader's Guide
David Friesen's significance lies in his extensive career as a jazz bassist, performing and recording with a wide range of influential musicians from the 1970s onward. His work as a leader and sideman spans decades, with a discography that includes over 50 albums. His 1989 album *Other Times, Other Places* achieved commercial recognition by reaching No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. Friesen's collaborations with artists such as Chick Corea, Stan Getz, and Dizzy Gillespie place him within the broader narrative of post-bop and contemporary jazz. His legacy is also marked by his long-term partnership with guitarist John Stowell and his work with European musicians, reflecting a career that bridges American and international jazz scenes.
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