David Bartley is a jazz pianist who performs as a soloist and in ensembles throughout western Massachusetts.  His sound ranges from straight ahead solo and ensemble jazz to "blue jazz", blues-infused original jazz tunes with vocals. 

David grew up listening to an eclectic mix of music including Ravel, Benny Goodman and West Side Story.  He received his formal musical training in classical piano performance from the State University of New York at Buffalo where he studied piano with Yvar Mikhashoff and composition with Leo Smit. From 1980 to 1999, David was based in Washington DC, where he scored original music for film, video, and radio productions,  performed in various popular music groups, and composed and performed several performance art pieces in association with the Washington Performing Arts Society. After relocating to New England in 1999 David spent seven years working with at-risk youth, creating the music department at The Academy at Swift River in Cummington, MA.

After hearing Bill Evans play "Theme from M.A.S.H."  while driving one day, David had to pull the car off the road to listen and thus began his love for and interest in jazz. David now devotes all his professional time to performing and teaching private lessons.  Although David is adept in many musical genres, including Rock and Chicago Blues, his heart lies with his own special "blue jazz" featuring original tunes and soulful vocals -- described by a fan as "sweet, rocking jazz wrapped up in the arms of the blues."

David performs extensively throughout western Massachusetts and past performance locations have included:

The Delaney House - Holyoke, MA
Patrick's Pub - Pittsfield, MA
The  Red Lion Inn - Lenox, MA
The Lenox Club - Lenox, MA
Gateways Inn - Lenox, MA
Proctor Estate - Pittsfield, MA
The Clark Art Institute - Williamstown, MA
Luthier's Coop - Easthampton, MA
Alina's Restaurant - Hadley, MA
Castle Street Cafe - Stockbridge, MA
Cranwell Resort - Lenox, MA
Portsmit's Lakeway Bar and Grill - Pittsfield, MA
The Iron Horse Music Hall - Northampton, MA
The Rainbow Restaurant - Pittsfield, MA
Brown's Brewing Company - Hoosick Falls, NY

Check out David's music, or contact him to book a performance or private lessons. Performances are in person.  Lessons are offered in person and live over the internet.