An American trombonist and tuba player, most famous for playing with the jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat, and Tears. He joined the group in 1970, after Jerry Hyman departed, and first appeared on the album Blood, Sweat & Tears 4.

His recording credits with BS&T include 11 albums. A break in their schedule allowed him to join the Gil Evans Orchestra in 1972, and he remains a member of that Orchestra to this day.

After leaving BS&T, Dave became a freelance recording and jazz artist. He has recorded with Paul Simon, Mick Jagger, James Taylor, Eric Clapton, David Sanborn, Carla Bley and Pat Metheny.