Having been a musician’s son, there is no surprise that his first language was music. David’s father, Jesus Villanueva played Bajo Sexto (Mexican 12 string guitar) and guitar professionally. David’s first interest in music came at a very young age when he would watch his father perform with the church choir. “I would escape out of the grasp of my mother, and run to the front of the altar where the choir was performing. Then I would start conducting the choir, my Dad would laugh and my mom would die of embarrassment.” It wasn’t till junior high where David discovered the saxophone. At that time the school only had one alto saxophone so the band director switched David to tenor saxophone. David matured musically quickly and soon enough he was playing in his father’s band. David’s diverse interest in multi genre of music began with his father’s norteño band and grew in high school when he joined the jazz band. David graduated from Luther Burbank High School.
“I really didn’t get serious about music until college, when I realized there are way better saxophonists.” David began his musical education journey at the famous San Antonio College. Under the direction of Jay Fort (saxophone). Then moving north to Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State Univ.) learning under Douglas Skinner (saxophone), Dr. John Mills (jazz saxophone), and Dr. James Polk (improvisation). Finally finishing up at St. Mary’s University with Morgan King (saxophone), Dr. John Rankin, and Cecil Carter.
David played with a variety of bands and a variety of genres. Having performed with several major artist including jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany, saxophonist Don Menza, Glen Miller Orchestra, Band of the West Airforce, Jay Perez, Raulito Navaira, Patsy Torres, and opened for the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet.
Years of playing as a sideman David took a step in faith to lead his own band. David Villanueva started DVJazz musical journey in 2004. There came a point in his life when he knew that to play real music he had to surround himself with real musicians. He began searching for musicians who were not only out there for the money, but also out there searching for the high that music emulates in their souls.
He brought together musicians that have more than 40 years of musical experience combined and when you listen to them play you know it’s more. There’s something historic about watching live musicians feel the music they’re playing. It’s almost a hypnotizing effect that draws you into their world for a moment or two. You can sit in their presence, sipping a drink, and not even know that they’ve captured your soul. It’s not until you notice your head bobbing up and down or look at your body and notice you’re swinging it from side to side. It is truly a gift they were given.
At times, David also performs by himself. These solo gigs are a unique invitation into his world, but like great appetizers, are only glimpses of what is yet to come. It’s his band that truly delivers both the entre and the dessert.
Together, they’ve already made a name for themselves in the San Antonio area.
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