david is well-known as a 12 survivor of a malignant brain tumor that was supposed to have killed him in 6 months. His amazing story of hope and survival has been shared with and inspired thousands of fans all over the world. If you are reading this here on CD baby, you are also learning that david is a prolific songwriter and keeps a relentless tour schedule across the nation and the world in support of his multiple CD’s. The more you get to know his music, the more you will learn of the many sides of david: survivor, yes, but also poet, philosopher, theologian, comedian, activist, husband, father, friend, and lover of all things coffee. This Presbyterian, passionate, fully reformed, liberally conservative peace-loving hippie-folksinger will wow you exotic guitar licks, but also inspire you with words you only wish you’d written yourself. Take the time to browse, listen, buy a couple CD;’s, visit his website, www.davidmbailey.com, and odds are before long, he’ll be in your area and you’ll be a fan of the music and the man. Thanks for stopping by – Keep on!!
** notes from david**
I'm really excited about this project. I have generally always felt that each new album is my 'best yet' but this time I really think it might be. Usually, by the time an album is released, I've heard the songs so many times in so many versions that I'm kinda tired of them; but this time I'm not and it's a kinda thrilling thing to still be discovering new things in each song. I use some alternate tunings that I think are kind of exotic and my producer has found just the right touch of production to enhance but not overwhelm the songs. Several of these songs also were actually born in the studio -- I showed up with lyrics, sat down before the mics and started making stuff up. A lot of it was thrown out, but the keepers are golden. 'Time Out' is a song I've been opening most of my recent concerts with - My friend Marc Carraway added the perfect touch to give it the lazy laid back feel I heard. Plus, his work on nylon guitar on "You Can' is brilliant. 'Almost Perfect was written about and in a morning I spent in the beautiful town of Newburyport, MA. 'Bittersweet Rain' is a song I wrote for and performed at the funeral of a dear friend who passed away from ALS. It was raining the day I learned of his death that moment has stayed with me since and I never wanted to lose it so it became part of the song. Rain is a theme in this project - but so is Sun. and love. and loss. and Joy. and pain. Like Life -- sweet, and bitter. I end with Hope Lives, one of the most challenging things I've ever written and recorded, and while the reprise ends with just guitar, the last words that are sung on this album are: Hope Lives, and that's the way it is.... How sweet it is." indeed.
**BIO
david's story is one of unique courage, faith, and passion. On July 4, 1996, doctors told david he had a malignant brain tumor and would be dead by Christmas. david left his corporate career and returned to his first love of songwriting and performing. Since then, he has shared the hope on which his life depends with thousands of listeners: Nine years, 11 albums, 40 states and hundreds of concerts later, david and his music are alive and well.
The son of Presbyterian missionaries, david spent his childhood in Beirut, Lebanon. He learned his first chords from his seventh grade English teacher, then went on to study classical guitar. david soon began writing his own songs and made his first recording a year later. The Lebanese civil war forced him to complete high school in Germany where he spent his weekends as a street musician; during these years he formed a small ensemble that toured throughout Central and Eastern Europe. In college, he played extensively in an original acoustic duo, but then put his guitar away and entered corporate America. Ten years later, following his diagnosis, david returned to the stage in what has become a full-time solo career.
david's songs are reminiscent of folk legends like James Taylor and Cat Stevens, though he also points to the work of Kahlil Gibran and J.S. Bach as being influential in his writing. Subtle tunings, intricate finger work and strong melodies help deliver keen, witty and wise lyrics about time, faith, hope, love, and dreams. a "prophet with a guitar, " david's voice is one that resonates with surprising depth and clarity among audiences of all ages, keeping his music both universal and timeless.
His story has been featured on CBS News/48 Hours, 60 Minutes, Fox/Health, Family Health channel, and NPR; articles about him have appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country. While spending most of his time in his own niche of church and medical venues, he occasionally steps out into more traditional music venues. In May 2003, he won the prestigious Kerrville NewFolk songwriting competition. He has shared the stage with many folk legends and his music has introduced him to dignitaries from Queen Noor to Sam Donaldson to John McEnroe.
It is alone with his audiences where david finds his greatest joy: from Beirut to Budapest, from Pittsburgh to Portland, and on hundreds of stages in between, he has inspired and entertained thousands of listeners. david challenges all of us to live passionately and to treasure the beauty of each new day.
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