Dave Peck started moving towards jazz during his first year in high school with his first love, the trumpet. The defining moment which led to a jazz career came when, as a 14-year-old, he heard Miles Davis' recordings from the Blackhawk which belonged to his girlfriend's father. His determination to become a trumpet player was sidetracked by two events. The first was braces, the second a summer jazz camp where he met Marian McPartland. From then on he migrated to the piano. Peck's professional career began in 1970 with a gig at the local country club. Over the years he has performed with many first-rank jazz artists, including Chet Baker, Sonny Stitt, and Lee Konitz. He has had an especially fruitful relationship with Bud Shank, who recorded Tales of the Pilot, an album devoted entirely to Peck's compositions. Peck's writing skills have resulted in recognition by ASCAP and Meet the Composer. In 1998 Trio, his debut release as leader was voted Earshot Magazine's Jazz Northwest Recording of the Year. His 3 and 1 was in the Gavin Jazz Top Ten and again was voted Earshot Jazz Northwest Recording of the Year in 2000. Given the large number of good jazz performers residing in the Pacific Northwest, this award is a meaningful recognition of Peck's skills. Since then, Peck released two other albums as a leader. All of his releases as a leader were on the Let's Play Stella label, which belonged to him and his wife Jane Peck.