David Becker

A fine fusion and post-bop guitarist, David Becker and his trio (called the David Becker Tribune) recorded four CDs (two apiece for MCA and Blue Moon) in the 1980s and early '90s, and have continued recording into the new millennium. Although the bassist sometimes changed, the drummer has always been David's older brother Bruce Becker. David actually started out playing trumpet but, when Bruce began playing rock in garage bands, David wanted to join in. After six months of practicing guitar, David was good enough to play with his brother. He eventually got bored with rock, had guitar lessons with Joe Diorio, and switched to fusion and jazz. Becker played music in Germany (where some family lived) for a few months and the European exposure made it easier for the Becker Brothers (!) to get gigs in the United States. In 1984 the Becker Tribune spent six months on the road and soon they were recording for MCA. Bob Mair became their regular bassist for a period in the late '80s, and Tom Lilly took over the spot in the early '90s. After recording the two Blue Moon sets, the Beckers moved to Germany and have been heard only intermittently in the United States in the years thereafter, although they remain active musically overseas. Their recordings during the new millennium -- often eschewing straight fusion for a more post-bop-oriented direction -- have included Where's Henning? (2004, Paras Recordings), Leaving Argentina (2008, Straw House), and Batavia (2010, Acoustic Music). ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi