Oh, just about everything I've listened to, I guess...
Stylistically I've roamed a lot over my playing career; I started off in dance bands, playing ghastly music for functions when I really would have been a lot happier playing blues or rock. Then I decided that I ought to 'get serious' and learn more about the guitar and used jazz as an exploratory tool. I also took a year of classical lessons in order to get my reading and right hand technique sorted out. Finally, I've come back to where I started - playing acoustic guitar.
So influences have been many - and diverse. I began by liking Cream, Zeppelin, Floyd, Genesis and so on. King Crimson and Gentle Giant are definitely in there somewhere, too... Teaching exposed me to loads of music - everything from Chris Whitley to Anthrax! But, to me, music is music and everything else is just a thin layer of style on the top and this has formed my criteria for evaluating it all.
I've always been fascinated by pianists - guys like Bill Evans and Esbjorn Svensson, for instance - and I know I am not alone in trying to work out how you can play guitar using some of the harmonic thinking employed there. It drives you nuts, though... so beware!
Playing 'September Farewell' live in London.
Demonstrating using a capo in DADGAD tuning.
Playing a blues medley at the end of a guitar clinic in London.
I started off as a guitar teacher back in the 1980s, teaching both privately and at schools. After about ten years of doing that, I got the chance to join the editorial team of Guitarist magazine, based in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Days were spent reviewing instruments and interviewing rock stars - not a bad life, then...
In 1995 I took over as editor of the magazine, transferring to our sister publication Guitar Techniques a bit later. After a while I started writing books, including Ten Minute Guitar Workout, 100 Tips For Guitar, Chords And Scales and loads more - I've written around 19 so far. Much to my surprise, a couple of the books have become best-sellers. Amazing - and flattering, too.
Journalism and writing books is all very well, but it wasn't until I went on a short book signing tour with Martin Taylor in 2000 that I realised how much I missed playing. My actual playing career had been put on the back burner for a while, to say the least, and despite the fact my day job found me in some very odd and exciting places like backstage a big venues and on tour with huge bands, it was all kinda 'passive' on my part, if you see what I mean. So I produced a demo of my acoustic playing, sent it to Martin and he offered to produce an album for me. 'Nocturnal' came out in 2006, received some very good reviews and I'm currently on the verge of recording another.
What people are saying about David's album, 'Nocturnal'
“David has been known as a respected teacher, writer and journalist for many years, but in many ways his great talent as a guitarist and composer has remained obscured - until now. Here at last, after four years of me badgering him, is his first solo CD.”
‘Nocturnal’ Producer Martin Taylor MBE
“Good tunes, fine playing…”Acoustic guitar maestro Gordon Giltrap
“Beautiful music!”BBC Radio
“A delight from start to finish…"Guitar Techniques magazine
“‘Nocturnal’ is an absolute must for any self-respecting acoustic music lover.”Acoustic magazine
“Superb… Lovely…”Guitarist magazine editorial
“A series of original miniatures distinguished by elegant arpeggios, fully voiced chords and a sense of beauty and reflection.” Jazzwise magazine
“An inspirational player…”Phil Castang, International Guitar Festival
Buy 'Nocturnal' online at a special price from Guitar CDs by clicking here
Hope 2009 has been great for you. Xmas is here soon so please Check out our new Cartoone Deluxe Edition CD 21 tracks for $10.98 and featuring the legendary Jimmy Page on guitar. www.fridaymusic.com
Hi David, you are very talented musician and great teacher. I liked very much your column on GT especially the one with Martin Taylor past issues. Luca
Thanks!! I have had my guitar students buying your 'Talking Guitars' book lately - they're dirt cheap in Bath book shops! I hope you're getting your hefty xx pence per sale!!!
