Dennis Irwin
Bass

Originally from Alabama, Dennis Irwin started playing the double bass at age 19 while studying the clarinet at North Texas State University. After playing with Red Garland (1973-74), Irwin moved to New York where he worked with Ted Curson (1975), Jackie Paris (1975-76), Mose Allison (from 1975), and Betty Carter (1976). Irwin received special acclaim for a duo recording he made with James Williams in Italy in 1977. From late 1977 through 1980 he worked with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Recordings he made with Blakey include Irwin’s composition, Kamal. Irwin then worked with Chet Baker, Horace Silver, the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Johnny Griffin and Bennie Wallace. A member of today’s Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Irwin also works with Joe Lovano and John Scofield.