Deej @ Taste The Stage in Brooklyn
Percussionist David “Deej” DiGiantomasso lives in the balance of music and the live musical experience. With a strong belief in its unquestionable power, David’s journey to uncovering his mission as one of New York’s premiere percussionists began with his brother’s trumpet at the age of nine in New Jersey. It wasn’t until age fifteen, however, when he bought his first pair of bongos that the love affair with rhythm and his development as an artist truly began to take form. It was this pair of bongos that remarkably set the wind of determination in motion which carries Deej through a lifetime of creating percussive rhythms, and the optimism to face the world one beat at a time.
As his career began to unfold, sitting in at club dates, David always stayed close to the musical influences of esteemed masters like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Carlos Santana. Clearly understanding the impact of Davis’ groundbreaking fusion, Deej’s style as a musician combines a folkloric jazz taste with eclectic R&B and Hip Hop flavors. This style is ultimately enhanced by the color and effects of his musical auxiliary tools: chimes, triangles, and special instruments—like the Brazilian berimbau—that have been acquired over the course of his worldwide travels. As a producer, live onstage and in the studio, Deej has worked and toured with many R&B and funk luminaries including Shelby Johnson of Prince’s New Power Generation, the Original Parliament, Grammy Award winner John Legend, three time nominee Anthony Hamilton, Martin Luther, and renowned jazz trumpeter, Roy Hargrove. He also played on the Flavio soundtrack, which won a best documentary award at the Woodstock Film Festival.
Growing up David studied with many great artists, which contributed to his own unique sound. Early in his career Deej had the opportunity to play with Zigi and Lion Heart in many SGI Peace Concerts, featuring world class musicians Kenwood Dinard, TM Stevens, Delmare Brown, and Carlos Alumar. Learning from these greats proved to be a valuable springboard for Deej’s career. Coming to New York City at the age of nineteen, Deej honed his craft in percussion, studying with the likes of Frank Colon and Doc Gibbs, among others, combining the value of both street teachers and formal educators. Studying the handcrafting of snare drums with Gladstone under Arnie Lang, Deej learned triple tuning system, working in sales, equipment setups, and with making the drums.
Holding a Liberal Arts degree from Ocean County College with a minor in Music Performance, David has studied at The Boys Harbor Latin Music Conservatory in Harlem and the Drummers Collective. As his passion runs deep David believes as a musician it is his responsibility to play music that adds to the betterment of the world. On a smaller scope, his mission is to uplift the people for whom he plays, leaving the listening audience optimistic about facing the world and encouraging that feeling in their daily lives. David spends his time as a music educator when not touring, working with after school arts programs within the NYC school system and with private students, and in 2002 coordinated and performed with a group of twenty five students at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. With his students Deej is creating a healthy sense of self esteem, self discipline and self confidence, making a substantial in their lives.
