Mostly self-taught, Dave started the guitar at age 14, taking private lessons at a local music store. Influenced by the arrival of the Beatles as many were at that time, Dave discovered jazz at age 17 after hearing a Jimmy Smith – Kenny Burrell record, “Blue Bash”.
“I was captivated by the sound of the archtop jazz guitar and knew that was what I wanted to do.” Berklee School of Music beckoned, but it was not accredited at that time, and the students attending were either veterans or health-deferred from the military draft, so Dave opted for the University of NY at Buffalo, where he minored in music. Dave also studied privately for a time with local jazz guitar legend Jim Kipler.
Marriage and family came soon after, along with a successful career in business. Dave managed to maintain daily practice and a performance schedule over the years. Like many others, his musical aspirations took a back seat to his career and family. Recent years have allowed Dave to be involved full time in the jazz music scene. “I feel very privileged to make music regularly with many fine musicians in the Phoenix, Arizona and Western New York areas.”
Dave’s main influences growing up were guitarists Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel and Jim Hall. Some of Dave’s favorite guitarists to listen to today are (in alphabetical order) Peter Bernstein, Gilad Hekselman, Vic Juris, Lage Lund, Reg Schwager, Jesse van Ruller and Anthony Wilson.