@ Photography by Laura Neves
David NAjera GonzAlez
David Najera Gonzalez is a Mexican drummer, composer and educator currently based in NYC.
In 2017, at the age of 19, he moved to NYC to pursue a career in music performance. He got a Bachelor's degree from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and a Master's from Queens College. He was mentored by world class musicians such as Dennis Mackrel, Eric McPherson and Antonio Hart.
David released his first project as a bandleader, Patos, in February 2024. The song "Give It a Chance" was featured as Song Of The Day in All About Jazz online magazine. The 8 piece band got extensive radio play in Mexico at known stations: Horizonte Jazz FM, Radio IPN and Jalisco Radio.
He actively leads Viento, a jazz-rock trio. Their self-titled EP will be released on June 5th. The single "Sly" has been listed by Tidal in their "Out There: Best New Jazz" playlist. They toured Mexico in December 2024 as “David Najera Gonzalez Trio”. They played at world class venues such as Zinco Jazz Club. The tour was covered by press such as La Jornada and Milenio.
He has performed with musicians Marina Albero, Takuya Kuroda, Alejandra Williams Maneri, Matt Lavon, Julia Chen, Hina Oikawa and Javier Madrazo.
Teaching
Apart from performing, David finds joy in helping people explore music. Teaching has become a way to give back to the community. He is grateful to have worked with the following organizations in NYC:
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Is currently a faculty member and works at their Music Partners division teaching percussion in public schools and community centers
Kupferberg Center for the Arts
Worked assisting Tyreek Mcdole, Steven Salcedo and Kofi Hunter as part of the Mosaic Artist Residency at PS 020
New York Enrichment Group
(Now National Enrichment Group)
After-school drum circle classes for third and fourth graders at PS 099 and PS 247
Rhythm and Movement classes at Raices Astoria Older Adults Center