BIOGRAPHY

Dave’s lifelong passion for blues and roots began in 1966 as a teenager when the Rolling Stones toured Australia and he was struck by Keith Richards’ slide playing on “Little Red Rooster”. In 1970 Dave was captivated by the sound of Taj Mahal's resophonic guitar, and shortly after “discovered” Mississippi John Hurt, Robert Johnson and the other legendary Delta and country blues artists.

An interest in Bluegrass and Old-Time music was kindled through the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s seminal “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” album. This journey continued through early country music pioneers Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers as well as Western Swing and other early Roots styles.

Dave was one of the first Melbourne musicians to perform regularly on the metal-bodied resophonic guitar. He was a regular performer in Melbourne's Coffee House scene in the eighties in fondly remembered venues such as The Troubadour; One-C-One; The Green Man; and The Green Lantern. Sadly that scene disappeared abruptly when pokies were legalised in Victoria. Dave played for many years with Roots band True North, which also featured 2-time Australian harmonica champion Steve Messer.

Currently Dave is performing both solo and duo as an acoustic act featuring a “guitarsenal” of interesting instruments. He likes to mix up the traditional songs and styles with his fine original compositions, drawing on life experiences and a family history of five generations on the land.

Over the past couple of decades Dave has been a regular at Melbourne’s acoustic and folk venues and has appeared at all the major folk festivals including Port Fairy, Maldon, Selby and the National. He has appeared on radio in blues and acoustic segments and has inspired many young musicians to pursue roots and acoustic music. Dave presents his material in a warm, low-key personal approach, taking the listener on an engaging journey through a landscape of great songs and guitar styles.