David Wood 'Jazz-Bo' Project
MFA, B.Ed., BFA, BA, CAP, FCP
As a guitarist and keyboardist, David’s eclectic musical experience, training and interests range from…..Bach, Beethoven & Stravinsky to…..Miles, Hancock & Lenny Breau/Ritenour/Metheny to…..Albeniz, Tarrega & John Williams to…..Beatles, Blood, Sweat & Tears & Steely Dan…. etc….
David Roger Wood was born on Jan.12, 1950 in the lower east end area of Toronto, Ontario into a loving & leisurely musical family. Davids’ interest in music began at the age of 5-6, when his mother introduced him to the keyboard on the pump organ at their family cottage in Jarlsberg (Bear Lake ), Ontario. His father, a WWII vet, who sang and played a 1927 Martin tenor guitar (which David has to this day), along with his brother Harold, exposed him to the guitar. By the age of 11-12, David found himself playing guitar, jamming with neighbourhood friends, playing local school dances and learning instrumentals by The Ventures, The Shadows, Chet Atkins, etc…
By the age of 13-14, his eldest brother Harold, who played guitar in local bands and previously provided him with his first Silvertone electric guitar, arranged for him to study with jazz guitarist Gary Benson (Canadian Jazz Quartet). This encounter firmly planted the seed that would see David make a decision to go on to private music studies with Gordon Delamont (Canadian music educator, author, composer and trumpeter), Darwyn Aitken (educator, pianist, composer) and later David Mott (York Univ.) in Toronto. David credits his family and brother Harold with initiating and nurturing his musical career from a young age.
During the next 10 years, while studying, David performed with various acts & contemporary Toronto bands including Mushroom Castle (Eddie Schwartz “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”), The Pyggs (Greg Godovitz of Goddo, Wayne Wilson of Downchild Blues Band/Whiskey Howl & Dr. John “BJ” Bjarnason of Whiskey Howl ), Sherman & Peabody (‘Buzz’ Sherman of Moxy), Subway Elvis, Teenage Dance Band & Mount Hope (Greg Fitzpatrick of Nucleus), Abernathy Shagnaster ( Gil Moore of Triumph ), Lynn & Lea Harper Sisters Band, Ryan Brothers Band (Clint & Paul Ryan of Toronto “Hair” Production ) and later, the Steve Cassini and Paul Saunders Bands.
At age 24 David moved to Los Angeles and studied at the renowned Dick Grove School of Music, graduating with diplomas in Composition/Arranging (CAP) and Film Composition (FCP), including studies in orchestration and composition with Dr. Albert Harris at UCLA.
While studying in Los Angeles, David also studied privately with Ted Greene, Herb Ellis and Richard Markowitz and performed with various acts & bands, including, The Harper Sisters, John Vester Duo, Lynn Carey Band (w/members of “Billy & The Beaters”) and Jazz-Bo (w/ John Vester & vocalist Kate Markowitz of James Taylor). David worked as composer, arranger, musical director and studio guitarist in various venues, including performing the local club scene (Roxy, Trobadour, etc.)
Upon returning to Canada, David received his Masters of Fine Arts Degree (MFA) from York University in jazz and performance studies, ethnomusicology/musicology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. He further received his Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in music and physical education from OISE at the University of Toronto and entered the teaching field. He also received his Level III Coaching Certficate, coaching various sports including `Rep` baseball, hockey & soccer, as well as accomplishing belts in Martial Arts.
His career as a professional educator/teacher and music specialist in music/physical education includes teaching positions at York University (2 yrs), the prestigious Crescent School (12 years), The Bayview Montessori School and various schools with the Peel District School Board in the GTA.
He resides in the GTA with his spouse Mary of 30+ years and is the proud father of David, Jason & Caitlin.
David remains a lifelong 'student'.