"He possesses the special kind of talent you only see come along once a decennium. If you're lucky."
- Eric van Domburg Scipio of Haven Magazine
Dave Tate’s dynamic contemporary folk songwriting combines intimate finger-picked acoustic guitar, passionate vocals, and a myriad of poetic imagery to show how strong quiet can be. For the past ten years Dave Tate has been performing throughout the western US. A native of the red rock desert of Zion National Park in Southern Utah, Tate’s music reflects the natural vast beauty of his homeland. His lyrical landscapes emerge from reflections on spirituality, relationship and communion with nature. Supported by intimate melodies, Tate's songs have a meditative, calming effect on the listener. In 2006 CDBaby stated, "His songs have a way of stealing your breath away and removing you momentarily from the passing of time."
Tate began performing as a solo artist in 2000. After performing locally in Salt Lake at coffee houses and various venues for several years, Tate began studying and performing Opera intensely. Dedicated to maximizing the potential of his instrument, Tate landed leading roles in several Opera productions as well as leading several of his own groups, and making several self produced records. Eventually Tate’s persistence in refining his craft began to pay off.
In 2006 Tate released The Solitude of Here, which CDBaby called “By far the most grabbing male folk album we’ve seen in months.” The album also received stunning press from the Netherlands. Folk Forum raved, “This masterpiece is worthy of a place in the singer/songwriter Hall of Fame,” and “You rarely come across a CD of such exquisite quality that you are entirely enthralled by it.” Encouraged by increasing interest, Tate increased his performing opportunities by forming the group Dave Tate Music and performing in an acoustic duo. Tate built on the foundation he had started and established himself as a performing artist in the Salt Lake/Park City Music scene.
In January of 2007 Tate met Swedish songwriter Victoria Lagerström. Soon after meeting the two were married, recorded their first duo record The Same Heart (2007) and began to perform as a duo in the US. After living in Austin, Texas in 2007 the duo returned to Tate’s southern Utah home to write and record. Tate embarked on a sold out tour to Sweden and the Netherlands to promote his upcoming release The Final Hour and The Same Hear, Tate's duo CD with Lagerstrom.
In 2008 Tate released The Final Hour his anticipated follow up album to The Solitude of Here to stunning reviews. Folk Forum raved, “As far as I am concerned Tate is the best singer/songwriter around at the moment.” Tate’s next album The Houses of Healing is due to be released in 2009. Tate plans to promote that album with a second European tour in the winter of 2009. Tate now performs locally in Utah as well as touring nationally and internationally.
Read more...