A Professor of Music at Towson University, since 2004, he maintains an
active creative career.
Contact Dave for lessons, workshops and performances at daveb@daveballou.com
Follow Dave on these platforms!
New Release!!! 2/13/26
The for-tet/flat rat
Shiny Boys Press
A series of compositions for improvisers.
Dave Ballou- trumpet, flugelhorn, compositions
John Dierker- bass clarinet
Adam Hopkins- acoustic bass
Mike Kuhl -percussion
New Release!!! 3/12/2026 Live at the Keystone Korner- Keystone Trumpet Project
Dave Ballou, Sean Jones, Rex Richardson – Three critically acclaimed trumpet players on a dynamic live performance!
Recorded live in performance April 23 and 24, 2025 at Keystone Korner Baltimore – This is a spectacular Jazz performance infused with a passionate energy guaranteed to please the listener!
https://summitrecords.com/release/live-at-the-keystone-korner-keystone-trumpet-project/
Focus Out featuring Jon Irabagon, Matt Mitchell, Chris Lightcap and Dan Weiss with special guests Dave Ballou, Miles Okazaki, Kokayi, Mark Shim and Donny McCaslin! Features the incredible artwork of Akiyoshi Kitaoka!
New Release!!! 6/1/26
Tom Teasley/Dave Ballou
Inner Play
“Inner Play is a fully improvised dialogue between percussionist Tom Teasley and trumpeter Dave Ballou — blending adventurous jazz interplay, lyrical improvisation, rhythmic exploration, and global influences into a spontaneous yet deeply connected musical conversation.
Featuring drumset, frame drums, wood percussion, melodica, handpan, trumpet, and flugelhorn, the recording moves between energetic exchange, abstract textures, chamber-jazz intimacy, and moments of deep stillness.
Released on 6/26/26
Lisa Rich I Still Rise
Lisa Rich- Vocals
Marc Copland- Piano
Drew Gress- Bass
Dave Ballou- Trumpet
Tritone Records
Dave will be teaching at the Litchfield Jazz Camp this year for weeks 3 and 4 (July 12 to the 24th). Please join us for faculty concerts and the Litchfield Jazz Festival July 24 through 25th!