About Me
Kookatha/Gunditjmara Song Man.In 2007 David released his debut solo album Kookatha/Gunditjmara Clan, an exploration of identity. As a respected songwriter, musician and producer, David is not afraid to confront the issues facing his people and the world beyond. His songs are gentle, singing of the simple beauty of family life, and yet vibrant, always treated with a musical freshness that sets the feet tapping and the heart soaring. David sings from the heart, with an incredible vocal range and a beautiful musicality.For the last twenty five years David has worked with many of the great Indigenous artists such as Bart Willoughby, Coloured Stone, Tiddas, Joe Geia, Kutcha Edwards, and Stephen PigramSpending five years as guitarist for Archie Roach, David toured extensively both nationally and internationally. David performed his own song So Young on Archie’s second album Jamu Dreaming.‘David has the sweetest rhythms and he has a fine ear for melodies on the guitar. His use of dynamics is great. I believe he is one of the finest guitarists in Australia, because he treats not only his own music with respect, but other peoples’ music too and it shows.’ (Archie Roach)David is credited on Tiddas album Sing About Life and features in nine tracks on Ruby Hunter’s album Thoughts Within.David worked on several projects with Chong Lim. ‘David has outstanding talent. He has a world ambient sound and can compete on the international market’. (Chong Lim: John Farnham’s musical Director; Sydney 2000 Olympics; Dancing With the Stars).David has also worked with Crowded House, Not Drowning Waving, Weddings Parties Anything. He gained audience acclaim during his unique spontaneous performance of Throw Your Arms Around Me accompanied by Hunters and Collectors.David’s international cultural exchange tours to West Belfast and the UK in 1996/1997 plus a cultural exchange to Fiji in 1996 enhanced his perception of other cultures and nourished his need for keeping his own culture strong. A highlight of the first Koori-Celtic tour was David and Wayne Thorpe performing on stage with Shane McGowan and The Pogues to an audience of over ten thousand.2006:
David began his involvement as performer and co-musical director with long time friend Shane Howard (Goanna). They co-produced a project called Tarerer which is a contemporary compilation album showcasing the music of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous artists of South West Victoria. David and Shane also co produced Murundak, an extraordinary event that celebrates music as an instrument of identity, resistance, resilience and a call to freedom.2007:
David toured the Liyarn Ngarn show with Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Amy Saunders and Amos Roach. David opened these shows with the title song from his debut solo album Kookatha/Gunditjmara Clan released in 2007.2008:
David was co-musical director and performer with the Black Arm Band as part of the Sydney Festival (Sydney Opera House), Perth International Arts Festival and WOMADelaide. In June 2008 they featured at London International Festival of Theatre at South Bank and at The Butter Factory in Dublin.David also participated in The Black Arm Band’s Hidden Republic project,
a collaboration between The Black Arm Band and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra reflecting the hope created by the historic 2008 Apology delivered by the Australian Government.Upcoming Performances:June 2009: The Dreaming Festival with the Liyarn Ngarn concert at Woodford QLD Australia (10:30pm)July 2009: THURSDAY ISLAND - Hidden Republic with the Black Arm Band & Queensland Music Festival.July 2009: WOMAD UK - Charlton Park, Malmesbury Wiltshire, UK with the Black Arm Band, Murundak.August 2009: DARWIN - Darwin Festival with the Black Arm Band, Murundak.September 2009: BROOME - Shinju Matsuri Festival with the Black Arm Band, Murundak.
