David Lipkind

Harmonica player David Lipkind moved to Portland, OR in 1997, and quickly became one of the most in-demand harp players around. David started recording, touring, and gigging regularly with such diverse Pacific Northwest acts as Spigot, I Can Lick any Son of a Bitch in the House, Jackstraw’s Darrin Craig, Drunken Prayer, The Joe McMurrian Quartet, Lewi Longmire and Mark Lemhouse.A native of St. Louis, Mo, David was first inspired by Rock and Blues music he heard in the city. At 18 he moved to college town and musical hotspot Lawrence, Kansas, which introduced him to folk, Americana, country, bluegrass and old time music. This just fed his love of American music, and the common thread that runs through it all. Eventually, he stumbled into Portland to find a growing, diverse music scene that embraced so many of the styles that he loves.Stylistically, David is a very adventurous spirit. Combining all of his favorite harp blowers (Doc Watson, Big Walter Horton, DeFord Bailey, Mark Ford, Sonny Boy I and II, among others), and fusing it with all of the guitar, fiddle tunes, horn players, and vocalists he has listened to over the years, has made him a unique and diverse player.When asked about his diverse musical tastes, he has replied, "Well, I like Chinese food as well as Italian food. It’s the same with music. Good music is good music.” Like Frank Zappa said, “….people (are) fixated on one particular kind of a sound….one particular style….a lot of people….don’t even know what they are missing….music from other cultures….music from America from other periods, different styles….you may not like it all, but if you don’t know it even exists, how are you going to make up your mind?”It’s that deep musical idea that runs through the music David loves and plays: that uniquely American story that runs through everything from early jug band music, prewar blues, Appalachian fiddle music, right up to the Ramones! That’s the sound and idea David has constantly strived to hear and play. It is why he has played with such a diverse group of songwriters and musicians. There is something that he hears in the groups he plays with that continue to inspire him.Chance meetings and run-ins with some of the best harp players in the world also helped David get a handle on the baffling instrument he loves. From Blues legend Jr. Wells, Norton Buffalo, famed teacher Tulsa Reed and virtuoso Sandy Weltman, David is a tenacious student.A third generation harp blower, David’s first memory of the instrument is listening to his grandfather Sid and uncle Ellis blow ferocious, old time harp back and forth in the back of an old Caddy. Every few years, his grandfather would give him a new St. Louis Blues Hohner. David’s mother and Cousin Kenny where also harp players. David played piano, guitar, and flute early on, but it was harp that was in his blood.The recording studio is familiar ground for David, and he has contributed to many recording projects over the years. From CD’s to film soundtracks, radio spots, and multimedia. David’s recording output can be seen at the “discography” page, and sound samples can be heard on the “sounds” page.David Lipkind is also an educator. He has taught classes at Portland Community College for many years, as well hundreds of private students. Check out the “lesson” page for more info.David has toured all over the world, playing festivals, clubs, showcases, on radio and television, the college circuit, juke joints, and all points between. David also sings, plays guitar, writes songs, and dabbles with the accordion. Though not much of a dancer, he’s always willing to give it a shot.To find out about the musical projects David is involved in, check out the “project” page. Press and such and such are on the “press” page.David is a Hohner harmonica endorsee, and likes the Hohner Special 20 Marine band.David has been featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Oregon Art Beat show. Check out clips from the feature on the "video" page. He has also been featured on the show in conjunction with his work with Spigot and Joe McMurrian.