Dave McKenna

Dave McKenna was a jazz pianist born in Woonsocket, RI in 1930 who eventually settled in Cape Cod, MA. He was known for a trademark left-hand bass style and mastery of a wide range of jazz styles, from big band to salon piano.

McKenna began his career with the Boots Mussulli Band and then the Charlie Ventura band, followed by a stint with Woody Herman. After two years in the army, he returned to Charlie Ventura's band, then worked with Gene Krupa, Stan Getz, and Zoot Sims and Al Cohn. He often worked with Bobby Hackett, including some gigs at Eddie Condon's in Manhattan, playing what Hackett called "Whiskeyland Jazz." McKenna cited Nat King Cole as his biggest influence.