DAVID WERTMAN 
BASSIST - COMPOSER

David began his study of music in his early teens, and immediately after finishing school embarked on a career in music which has spanned over 40 years of continuous performing, composing, recording and  study of the bass.

Mr. Wertman quickly gained recognition among Jazz and New Music fans and innovators. His approach to the bass combines the pure resonant tone of the classicist with the swinging rhythms, innovative technique and emotional power of an experienced Jazz player. In his playing one can hear echoes of such legendary bassists as Jimmy Garrison, Charles Mingus, Paul Chambers, and Ray Brown.

Beginning in the 1970's David became a major contributor on the New Music Scene in New York . He has  recorded with his group  The Sun Ensemble and has performed with many well known jazz artists such as  Billy  Bang, Arthur Blythe, Marion  Brown, Steve Reid, Dave Pike, William Parker, Archie Shepp, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ira Sullivan, Eddie Higgins, Charles Tyler, Perry Robinson, Burton Greene, Sheila Jordon, Karrin Allyson, Lou Grassi, Jay Corre, Abbey Rader.

David is also an established Big Band bassist, touring with Ray Anthony, Erskine Hawkins, Les Elgart, Sy Zentner, Duffy Jackson, Melton Mustafa, Buddy Morrow, and the tribute bands of Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton, Cab Calloway, and Gene Krupa.

Performing in shows David has toured with Buddy Greco, The Four Freshmen, Joey Heatherton,  Barbara McNair, Donald O'Conner, The Ink Spots, The Shirelles, The Drifters, Patti Page, Toni Tennille, Fran Warren, Julie Wilson, The Crystals, The Tokens, Wayne Newton, Patty Page, Al Martino.

Mr. Wertman is a bassist who is bound to impress his listening audience with a varied program, outstanding technique, and an original conception of Improvised Music.


Please check out my Musicians page for current biography information.

Please also see my videos on Youtube



"In a moving tribute to the spirit of the late maestro John Coltrane, Wertman played a elegaic arco solo that's as soulful and contemporary as anything I've heard."
New Age Magazine

"Adventurous, exciting, innovative, imaginative, and accessible. But all the same it's tough music; it's some of the finest new music I've heard. Here is a variety of tunes, and the playing is superb."
Razem Magazine-Poland

"Virtuoso abilities ! The music is highly charged, emotional, but nevertheless coherent."
Jazz Forum - Vienna, Austria


"This is a tight band which playes uncompromising music, gutsy and alive !. Wertman plays with a deep, agonizing beauty...this is inspiring stuff."
Cadence Magazine

"David Wertman's insistently individual writing is always an extraordinay experience."
Leisure Magazine-Vermont
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