Dave the Roadman
Dave bought his guitar at age 17 and has spent the last 40 years pursuing his love of folk music. During that time he has accumulated a vast collection of stories and songs about his life on the road.
For the last 20 years Dave has traveled around the country attending festivals and selling leather goods.
In his travels, he has had the opportunity to meet and play with many extraordinary performers. Playing mostly informal gatherings around the campfire, Dave only recently started performing for an audience.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
There really is no band, unless you count pickup musicians that I often play with. I am not opposed to a band I just haven't met the right people.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play a lot of small coffee houses,bars, and private parties, and he can always be found around the campfire at festivals.
Your musical influences
Dave grew up listening to "Old" Country, but drifted into the Delta Blues sound when he first heard Mississippi John Hurt at the Phila. Folk Fest in 1966. A short time later Dave met Baltimore Red, and over the years they have jammed a lot, Red once told Dave "Kid, you're a lot better than you think you are". Dave also is a good friend of blues player Mad Dog John Marino who Dave helps to promote. John has helped Dave form his own relationship with the blues.
What equipment do you use?
1931 National Style O Resophonic Guitar, 1967 Martin 000-18, Johnson Chicago Blues Dobro
Anything else?
From folksy tunes about his childhood in the Pennsylvania farmland, to the stories drawn from his experiences on the road, Dave continues to weave a story about life on the road.
