David Certain

“You always remember your first, and I not only remember, but still have the first instrument ever given me. It got me into the school band. That opened a whole other world, of thought, cameraderie, goals and study, and, most importantly, fun. Most of the band kids made pretty good grades, and there is definitely a connection of music to other disciplines. Therefore, music is good for any society. Every child should have the opportunity to play an instrument.”

A bassist for over 40 years, David Certain studied with Kenny Davis of the Oberlin Conservatory. He’s toured and recorded with legendary, Grammy-nominated drummer and “The Mayor of Harlem” Greg Bandy in his band, The Unsung Heroes, on and off for decades. David has performed with Miles Davis alumnus and Downbeat Readers’ Poll winner, saxophonist Gary Bartz, free jazz pioneer and pianist Bobby Few, organ master Jimmy McGriff, saxophonist and Grammy-winning arranger Willie Smith, singer “Little” Jimmy Scott, Latin jazz pianist Hilton Ruiz, drummer Ike Wiley (formerly with Stanley Clarke), Vincent Herring, Eddie Henderson and many others. David’s company, CertainBass, makes custom basses for an international clientele.