David O'Rourke Interview

Irish-born guitarist, arranger, and educator David O’Rourke has built a distinguished career bridging performance, composition, and mentorship. Mentored by jazz great Louis Stewart and later aided by Bucky Pizzarelli, he arrived in the U.S. in 1982, inspired by Pat Martino, with whom he would later collaborate. O’Rourke has performed with legends including Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, and Jackie McLean, and his arranging credits span Lewis Nash, Terumasa Hino, and Steve Wilson. As founder of the O’Rourkestra Big Band and longtime director of youth programs at Jazz Standard/Jazz Generation, he continues to shape jazz’s future while honoring its deep traditions.