After training as a classical double bass player at Victoria University of Wellington (1990 - 1992) in New Zealand, David Leahy embarked on a musical journey that went from Irish and folk music through to jazz, original singer/songwriter material and various forms of world music. To a unique musical world based very much on improvising (not jazz) which fuses all his musical experiences.

From 1992 to 1998, David was responsible for the promotion and production of a large number of tours around rural New Zealand of the groups he was involved in. He established contact with a series of venues around the country, many of which are still supporting improvised and original music today. David was also instumental in establishing the Wellington Jazz Collective (as was Angeline) and was the founder of the first International Wellington Jazz Festival (now in it's 11th year).

After arriving in the UK in 1998, David concentrated his energy more towards free improvisation and very quickly became a recognised member of the London improvised music scene, Playing with people like Evan Parker, Lol Coxhill, Louis Moholo, Pat Thomas, John Russell and many more. He has been a member of the London Improvisers Orchestra since 2000 and most of the recordings of this group have included a conduction by David. He has conducted other improvising ensembles in Spain, Belgium and Germany.

His passion for improvisation generally has lead him to expand his own practice away from his instrument, to incorporate movement and improvised performance theatre. He now performs regularly as a musician/mover with noted artists around Europe such as Geraldo Si (Germany), Claire Filmon (Paris) and SoFT (UK)

As a collaborator, David has composed for, performed with a large number of dancers, choreographers, poets and theatre based artists, such as Fevered Sleep, Trestle Theatre Company, Filomena Campus, Attic Dance, Loop Dance Company, Polly Hudson and Carol Brown Dances.

Like Angeline, David also works for Creative Partnerships delivering training within the education sector on creative practices that can enhance classroom teaching, a lot of which stems from his experience and a performer working with improvisation.