David Penn’s changing style is presented in the inspirational album Next Step

David Penn’s musical journey is further explored with the release of the album Next Step. This is a natural progression of the artist’s style and foundations established in the first album, Back On Track. This new collection of works is a culmination of the artist’s life experiences and the musical knowledge he has obtained over the years.

Born and raised in Hempstead, New York, David Penn’s musical style as a jazz bassist began while he studied Computer Science at St. John’s University in Jamaica Queens. It was there that he became familiar with the New York jazz scene and furthered his musical abilities as a mostly self-taught artist. This experience gave him the opportunity to study with the renowned jazz artist Cecil McBee and perform with other well-known artists such as Talib Qadir, Cecil Bridgewater, Bill Saxton, Billy Mitchell, Camille Gainer Jones, Walter Davis Jr., Charlie Persip, and the illustrious jazz singer Betty Carter.

All these experiences greatly helped in creating his unique sound. Working with Betty Carter, and artists such as Khalid Moss, Lewis Nash, and Benny Green, provided David Penn with an excellent platform in both performance and composition. The effect is evident in Next Step, where each piece is imbued with a sense of purpose.

The album is by CreativeTone, consisting of Raquel Lozano on vocals, Derrick James and Fareed Mahluli on sax, Joel Stewart on piano, and Tracy Williams on drums. The talents they bring together add richness to the album, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

Next Step is an album with a positive and uplifting vibe, meant to bring a sense of peace and serenity to those who listen. It is an expression of David Penn’s growth as an artist, while remaining true to his jazz ideals from the very beginning.