Dennis Irwin – Bass

Irwin attended North Texas State University with Norman Wisdom, studying classical music. Although he started out playing alto sax and clarinet (achieving first chair All State clarinet while at Westchester High School in Houston) he soon switched to the bass and joined the university’s band.

After working with pianist |Red Garland in Dallas, Irwin moved to New York. There he played with Charles Brackeen, and later landed his first steady gig in trumpeter Ted Curson’s group in 1975. He accompanied such vocalists as Betty Carter, Annie Ross and Mose Allison amongst others.

Beginning in 1977, Irwin played with Art Blakey for three years. Blakey recorded several of Irwin’s compositions including “Kamal.” Irwin also worked with Chet Baker, Mel Lewis, Joe Lovano, Stan Getz, Horace Silver as well as with Brazilian musicians Duduca Fonseca and Portinho. From 1992 to 1995, Irwin played with guitarist John Scofiled. .

This transcription is Irwin’s fantastic bass part from the tune ‘Peculiar’ from the Scofield’s 1995 album, ‘Groove Elation’. Mostly a counting exercise.