by Julie GaristoYou’d be hard put to hear a conversation about Tampa Bay jazz and experimental music without mention of Dr. David Manson.
“Dave is the Thurston Moore of the free jazz/experimental music scene in Tampa Bay,” musician and writer Gina Vivinetto once said, comparing Manson to the prolific singer, songwriter and guitarist of Sonic Youth. “He’s everywhere, working with everyone and vigorously trying to develop and showcase new talent.”
The trombonist, composer, improviser, music technologist, event organizer, scene galvanizer and SPC professor curates both the EMIT series and the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival. Through the nonprofit, multi-award-winning EMIT, he has presented more than 250 concerts of new music, bringing acclaimed musicians from around the world to Tampa Bay.
Those who know Manson comment frequently about what a nice guy he is. Despite a resume that includes stints with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Burt Bacharach, and such well-regarded albums as 2002’s Fluid Motion with jazz legend Sam Rivers, he doesn’t emit a whiff of condescension. On state, he's the gracious straight man to his sassy, barb-throwing wife, Rio de Janeiro native singer Andrea Moraes.
Lately he’s been focusing his energies on his artists in residence at SPC, the Brazilian-flavored O Som Do Jazz and the Helios Orchestra. “I’m very happy with the musicians in O Som Do Jazz,” Manson said. “We have bassist Alejandro Arenas and drummer Mark Feinman. They both play in La Lucha, a fantastic group. Our keyboardist is John Richardson, who works with the Infinite Groove Orchestra. Austin Vickrey plays saxophone and flute. He is a monster! Andrea sings mainly in Portuguese and I hold the trombone and pandeiro.“
Manson served on the board of the Pinellas County Arts Council for eight years, so he brings an informed perspective on the support (or lack thereof) for more daring music hereabouts. “We have an extremely strong talent base right here in the Tampa Bay area,” Manson said. “I wish that area museums, performing arts centers and municipalities would have greater confidence in those musicians and support them as they connect with the community.”