David Negrete is an American-born saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, born in 1984 in Long Beach, California. He began his musical path in San Diego, where he studied with renowned alto saxophonist Charles McPherson and was mentored by Kamau Kenyatta—producer of Gregory Porter—and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, a pillar of the local jazz scene.
In 2004, he received a full scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. Upon graduating, he moved to New York to begin his professional career as a performer. His journey later led him to Japan in 2011, where he continues to develop his international presence.
David released his first leader album, Tribe of D, in 2016. In 2024, he followed up with Whisper, and in early 2025, his third record Live at the Moment was released. His playing is noted for its beautiful tone and precise improvisation, which have allowed him to stand out in various genres beyond jazz. He has performed as a soloist on David Foster’s Japan tour and ASKA’s world tour, and has been part of horn sections for artists such as Louis Cole, Miho Hazama, Junko Onishi, Chris Hart, and MISIA.
David Negrete plays on a Spark 7 Syos Originals mouthpiece on tenor saxophone.
