Member Since: 03/10/2007
Band Website: myspace.com/davidalanforaker
Band Members: "I am proud to be carrying on a long tradition... that of a story-tellin' singer of the blues. The blues is an old man . . . he's been around for a long, long time... and after we've gone our way, that wise old gent will still be a sittin' and a rockin' . . . and observin' life. The blues is a universal language that knows no boundaries... that transcends time. The blues is basic, and inherently honest. The blues is a story . . . of anguish, sadness, despair... a story about hard-won victories, stated with resolved humor and acknowledged ironies. A story with subtle, satirical overtones... and these tales spring from the secret heart of a few of the chosen disciples... the Blues Balladeers." ------------------------------------------------------------
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---------------------------------DAVE FORAKER - I POUND THE PIANO, TELL STORIES & SING THE BLUES!
Influences: Musically: Ray Charles, Albert King, Mike McD, Gregg Allman, Randy Newman, Wilson Pickett, Marcel Evans, Leon Russell, among others.-----------------------------------------------------
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Life Lessons: My father, Orville C. Foraker... my uncle, John Harley... my high school orchestra director, Charles Musgrave...
Sounds Like: I've been told I sound "like the dude that sings "Toy Story".... or "the guy who sings the theme song to "Monk". Randy Newman could not be reached for comment!----------------------------------------------------
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--------------------------------------------------------- What the music writers have said:The Charlotte Observer: "Foraker's gritty, soulful vocals fuse rock and blues
into a style that is powerful and passionate." ------------------------------------------------------------
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Piedmont Entertainment :"Dave has the kind of voice that aspiring singers long for... & the seasoning that can only be gained through thousands of performances. I've seen Dave in front of a hot blues band... & as a solo pianist/vocalist at several hotel piano bars. Either way, it's hard to top his voice for soul-filled sincerity."-------------------------------------------------
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Mountain Xpress : "Foraker's music speaks to all ages. I'm glad to report that he has almost miraculously recovered from the stroke that threatened to end his career." ------------------------------------------------------------
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Connection:"Great songwriting, a bluesy violin & bluesier vocals! Is this guy the next "Papa" John Creech? Remember... you heard it here first!"-----------------------------------------------------
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Charlotte Entertainment Monthly: "Although we titled the initial article, "Charlotte's Best-Kept Secret", Dave Foraker should be recognized as "The Carolina's Number1 Blue-eyed Blues Singer!" ------------------------------------------------------------
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ille Citizen-Times : "Foraker sounds like a down-to-earth David Clayton-Thomas, going for his notes with gruff emotion that is blissfully unpretentious & real."------------------------------------------------------
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Rock Hill Herald : "Dave's sparse piano phrasings provide the perfect companion to his renowned vocal skills."----------------------------------------------------
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Occasionally Blues-letter : "Foraker's soulful voice, to me... reflects Ray Charles, Joe Cocker & Gregg Allman... & his "funky white fiddle" mimics the style of the late Albert King."------------------------------------------------------
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REFERRALS: "In his 11 seasons of entertaining at The Biltmore Estate, Dave has proven to be reliable & quite a crowd-pleaser." -Hannah Parks / Special Events / The Biltmore Estate------------------------------------------------------
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"Dave Foraker starts with a genre of music often characterized with bad times & sad songs. By weaving a story or two (or three) throughout his performance, & liberally seasoning his sets with humor, he delivers a message of hope that's guaranteed to inspire."
Alan Beaty / WNC Promotions ------------------------------------------------------------
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---------------------------------------------"Dave Foraker has been coming to Highland Farms Healthcare Center for several years. He has been very faithful to the residents and it is a rare Tuesday afternoon when Dave is not here to entertain. He never asks for any money, just a piano to play on. Dave is a very talented musician, an accomplished singer/songwriter and a great asset to those he is able to serve. Dave sings many of the old hymns and standards, often adding his own style to the songs known and loved by the population here, as well as some of his own songs. The residents here at Highland Farms have been very blessed to be able to enjoy his music!"--Jen Thomas, ADC/HCC Activity Director----------------------------------------------------
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-----------------------------------------------"I met Dave Foraker a few years ago when he was entertaining the residents of Care Partners Adult Day Services. I was so impressed and delighted to see the effect his music had on the residents, as many of them danced and sang along. When I was hred at The Laurels, one of the first calls I made was to ask Dave to come entertain our residents. We have been delighted, as the residents love his huge repertoire of songs, and they laugh at his many delightful stories. He enriches all of our lives."-- Lois Hodgson, Activities Department, The Laurels Of Summit Ridge-------------------------------------------------------
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Record Label: True Blue Music
Type of Label: Unsigned