Perky Dave Mullins

Hailing from the plains of West Texas, I am the next to youngest of 7 children. My father was a professional printer. My mother was classically trained in opera and came from a long line of church musicians and preachers.I started music like most people, in church. I sang in the children’s choir. I was also forced to take piano lessons from my maternal grandmother. In 6th grade I joined the elementary orchestra playing cello, which I continued through high school. Although I still own my cello, upon graduation I moved over to Bass guitar and have not looked back. I attended South Plains College in Levelland, TX as a music education major although most of the classes I took were in the commercial music dept. I studied the bass guitar, studio recording and some synth.My first full time position in a band was with a drug prevention program called “Rapunzel” performing popular rock, pop, country, R&B and hip-hop tunes in public schools all over West Texas. Later I was one of the founding members of a successful band by the name of “Once Dust” which developed a large local following through a strong emphasis on quality musicianship and entertaining performances.I made the move to Nashville, TN in 1999 intending to pursue Christian music. After several years working in the “industry” for 2 major record labels I realized that Christian music was not where I belonged. To break into mainstream country music I began playing around Nashville in several local hot spots on Broadway. Although I still do “cover gigs,” I focus on national touring acts as well as new artist demos and showcases.While in Nashville I have continue to develop a solid reputation as a professional bass player who is reliable, eager and versatile.************************************************** ********* If your interested, here is a short list of some folks I've played with. Ronnie Tutt (was the drummer for Elvis and is with Neal Diamond and as well as played on thousands of records some of which you own. He is a legend) Reese Wynans (played keys for Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble as well as lots of others),Bruce Brown (Charlie Daniel's Band), Kent Blazy (wrote alot of Garth Brooks hits as well as other), Kenny Greenburg (session guitarist, played on many Rock Country and CCM master sessions), Duane Norman ( Crystal Gayle, session drummer) Mark Slaughter (vocalist for Slaughter),Ashley Cleveland (Singer/Song writer)Jody Evans (Nashville Star 2005 Finalist)Robin English (I played on her demo and video) Denver and the Mile High Orchestra (big band/swing outfit www.denvermho.com) Steve Wiggens (was the singer songwriter behind CCM's Big Tent Revival), Mark Lee (one of the guitar players for CCM's Third Day), Tommy Walker (if you sing new songs at your church you've probably sang some of his tunes), Kelly Garner (She was a Belmont Vocal Instructor as well as songwriter, studio owner and has done many womens conferances) I've opened shows for Willie Nelson, Dickie Betts, Collin Raye and others. I've also played with The Roys, Cory Batten, Sarah Davison, "The Fiddle Queen", Kyle Arron, Vicky Beeching (Sparrow Records), Gary Ishee and Dave Issacs which are all included in my friends list below. Ask me and I can get you a demo and referances. If you click your way over to http://www.rickryan.com/musicianreferral/ you can see what other people say about my playing, gear, tone etc.