Dave Kurtiak

Orbit | Updated: June 11, 2026

Born in Bayonne, NJ to a musical family, it was no surprise when Dave picked up the bass at age 13. Playing in various heavy metal and hard rock bands before being introduced to jazz, Dave developed a percussive right hand playing technique that has more to do with his playing than any bass, effect or amp he uses.

After a long hiatus playing music while working for several record labels, Dave decided to pick up the bass again. Now living in Seattle, Dave’s focus shifted to improvised music, primarily the underground jazz and funk scene in Seattle. Funky, groovy and a voice all his own, Dave’s playing can be heard with and leading How Now Brown Cow.

Gear

Phil Jones Bass Amplifiers

Fender Jazz Basses

DR Strings

How Now Brown Cow: Don't Drink the Milk - It's Spoiled

Read "Don't Drink the Milk - It's Spoiled" reviewed by Don Ball

by Don Ball
May 27, 2026

Instrumental funk/soul bands are often spurned by the jazz aficionados as less serious than “real" jazz bands, but that would be a mistake with How Now Brown Cow. Despite the playfulness of the band name and song titles, in addition to having a great deal of fun playing, they are serious musicians and this is seriously good music. How Now Brown Cow has played in the Seattle , Washington community for more than a decade, often as a ...

About How Now Brown Cow:

What reviewers are saying:

"What I like most about this record is that it understands vibe and musicianship are not opposites. It’s funky without trying too hard to be “funky,” which is much harder to pull off than most people realize. This is an album absolutely worth checking out... "

Michael Venn, Soundwaves

“How Now Brown Cow embraces spontaneity and raw musical chemistry on the electrifying live release, “Don’t Drink the Milk It’s Spoiled (Live).” Completely improvised and driven by instinct, the track(s) captures the unpredictable excitement that only genuine live performance can create.”