Mr. David's First Album
Album Description
In his self-titled, debut album, Mr. David's FIrst Album, popular children's musician and entertainer, Mr. David, brings together a bit of the old and a bit of the new in a unique collection of songs that take their inspiration from the classic children's music we all grew up with and love.
Mr. David's song list reaches across decades and countries to introduce children to some of our best-loved classics and the diverse musical sounds of different genres and styles.
With great American folk classics like "I've Been Working on the Railroad" done as a guitar instrumental to allow children to use their imagination in creating visuals for the music, "Oh! Susanna" played with a harmonica that brings out the songs' country roots, and a simple, unique arrangement of "Old McDonald Had a Farm" that makes kids laugh out loud and ask their parents to play it over and over again, Mr. David is able to tap into the warm, comforting feelings of America's golden, pioneering age.
He combines these classics with old world tunes like "Old King Cole," its mandolin rhythms and deep vocals reminiscent of medieval Europe, and newer, African-drum inspired tracks like, "African Spirit Walk."
Even the newer, original songs have a simple, old feel about them. His original, Johnny Cash/Beatles-influenced tune "Yum" pulls together a cacophony of instruments and vocals into a raucously fun tune that is a bit of "Yellow Submarine" and a Shel Silverstein-inspired rock n' roll kids band--pots, pans, the kitchen sink and all.
He strums his classical guitar through the achingly sweet lullaby, "Paint the Color Blue," expressing the desire all parents must feel in wanting the best for their children. And, sings a haunting melody in "Black Cat" which is just scary enough to give the kids goose bumps without keeping them up at night.
"With this first album, I wanted to focus on melodies and rhythms that tap into the roots of children's music and touch on the original meanings of some of these songs. I really tried to bring out the warm, homespun sentiment of a time when things were simple--biscuits and honey and tractors on the farm. These songs are important, because they express who we are and remind us of where we came from."
The album is fun for kids and speaks to them in a voice that is down to earth and real. Each songs is played with age-appropriate melodies and lyrics that are mature enough to keep adults from pulling out their hair when their child asks to hear it over and over again. It may be his first recording, but Mr. David's First Album, taps into something very special that touches the heart of us all with its truly original sound for the entire family.
Mr. David Biography
Mr. David has never been one to give up easily. In fact, his friends and family would say that he's just about the most stubborn (in a nice way) person they've ever met. When he sets his mind to doing something, nothing short of reaching his goal will stop him. Lucky for him. It's probably the one characteristic that was most influential in bringing Mr. David to children's music. "In my early twenties, I found myself in job after job, feeling really unhappy because I wasn't doing what I love," he says. "I knew I couldn't go on like that, so I started thinking about what I could do that would allow me to play music every day. I got the idea of playing gigs for kids at some of the local schools, and started pursuing it."
Those modest beginnings proved fortuitous for Mr. David. With each new school he won more fans. His enthusiasm and energy in performance, ability to connect with the kids and salt-of-the-earth style that brings a bluesy, rock influenced sound to children's classics and original compositions, is fast making him a favorite among thousands of children and parents alike.
Born and raised in San Jose, California, Mr. David is the youngest of four children who grew up with the rich cultural traditions of their father's Mediterranean heritage. His parents encouraged spirituality, creativity, passion and individuality in all their children, introducing them at a very young age to the music and culture of their heritage. Some of his earliest memories are of guests being welcomed into their home, people from countries like Greece, Norway, India, Denmark, the U.K., France, Russia and the Sudan, bringing with them stories of their homeland and ways. This early exposure to so many different cultures now plays great influence on his music.
From an early age, Mr. David knew he was destined to be a performer. Starting with childhood home movies that he and his best friend wrote, directed, acted in and edited, he quickly stepped onto the entertainment platform. Later, his acting carried him to Hollywood where he became a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and found work in national commercials, on television shows like "Nash Bridges," and films such as "Sweet November," "The Wedding Planner," "Bedazzled," "The Princess Diaries" and more. His background in acting brings an added dimension to Mr. David's musical recordings and live performances, as he is able to bringout the character and essence of a song through the personality of his voice and physical action.
Mr. David first picked up a guitar at the age of fourteen. It marked the beginning of a passionate love affair with music that has grown stronger with the years, taking him into many different genres and styles. A near obsessive devotee of The Beatles, Mr. David's influences run the gamut from Jonny Cash to Buddy Holly, touching on Eric Clapton, Roy Orbison and The Rolling Stones in between. His appreciation for blues influenced rock n' roll, with simple, classic melodies and hauntingly beautiful guitar rifts comes out in much of his own music. His early exposure to the many different sounds of the world plays a significant role in his compositions, where he interweaves Mediterranean-inspired mandolin rhythms and African drum beats with classical guitar rifts and rock-influenced base lines. He's willing to use any instrument, from the piano to the conga drum to the harmonica and everything in between to create unexpected, exciting sound that gets children enthusiastic about singing and moving to music.
"I'm an entertainer, in the truest sense of the word," he points out. "I'm interested in telling a story, and I'll use every means I have-my voice, instrument, body, mind, whatever-to deliver a song and get the kids involved. This isn't an easy job. There are many moments of doubt and frustration. But once I get in front of the kids to perform, everything seems to fall into place, and it just feel right. So, I just keep telling myself 'do what you love, and the rest will come.'"
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