Dennis Irwin
Dennis Irwin (born November 18, 1951, in Birmingham, died March 10, 2008 in New York City) was a jazz double bassist. He toured and recorded with John Scofield and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, among others.
Irwin grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended North Texas State University, studying classical music. Although he started out playing alto sax and clarinet, he soon switched to the bass and joined the university's "Two O’Clock Big Band."
After working with pianist Red Garland in Dallas, Irwin moved to New York. There he played with Charles Brackeen, and later landed his first steady gig in trumpeter Ted Curson’s group in 1975. He has accompanied vocalists Jackie Paris, Betty Carter, Annie Ross, Ann Hampton Callaway, Tania Maria and Mose Allison.
Influences include bassists Ali Jackson, Sr and Eddie Jones. Irwin's first major recording session was with Brazilian pianist Dom Salvador. Beginning in 1977, Irwin played with Art Blakey for three years. The Jazz Messengers recorded several of Irwin’s compositions including "Kamal." Irwin also worked with Chet Baker, Mel Lewis, Joe Lovano, Stan Getz, Johnny Griffin and Horace Silver as well as with Brazilian musicians Duduca Fonseca and Portinho.
Beginning in 1992, Irwin began playing with guitarist John Scofield. He can be heard on Scofield's Blue Note recordings, "What We Do", "Hand Jive" and "Groove Elation."
His partner was singer Aria Hendricks, daughter of jazz singer Jon Hendricks. Hendricks, who founded the group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, is considered the "father of vocalese."