Downstairs Dave

DOWNSTAIRS WITH THE BLUES “There are times when I get the blues…….and then there are times when the blues get me”.It all started back in what was then, a sleepy little town known as Doylestown, PA. We moved there in 1964 when I was five and I grew up on Mary Street and then later moved to Shewell Avenue. My mother had been saddled with the task of raising four children on her own, a true saint she will always be. Growing up without a father was the start of my blues.By the late sixties and early seventies, most everyone I knew was listening to top 40 on WFIL in Philly and WABC out of New York. I however, was buying (and borrowing from my Mom and Aunt Sally), Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Fats Domino albums and 45’s. But even still, it was a lonely time……couldn’t really get anyone else to buy into these guys, but that didn’t discourage me. I felt their music in my bones and that has never changed. The path led me to various legendary blues artists whose music reached into my soul and still does to this day. But it wasn’t until my brother gave me the J. Geils Full House album with Magic Dick for my birthday, that prompted me to buy my first Hohner Marine Band harmonica in the key of E (still have it 32 years later). “First I look at the Purse” and “Whammer Jammer”, were my first two accomplishments. That old "E" could even be heard blasting through the dorm halls where I attended college at Florida Institute of Technology. My love for the blues and the harmonica intensified over the years and remains my focus and enjoyment. I have been blessed with so many friendships with fellow blues musicians from the local area……thanks for letting me get up there and play with all of you. I have also been fortunate enough to share the stage with the likes of Studebaker John and The Hawks, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, and Kid Bangham, not to mention Rusty Zinn.Music runs deep in my family and I would be remiss not mention it. My grandmother, Ethel Ponce Fenley a piano player and singer, and her sister were a duo act starting back in the 20’s. They wrote and recorded records on the Edison label and some others. They were also life- long members of ASCAP. They graced the stages of Vaudeville and were the opening act for legends such as Bing Crosby and Count Basie as well as many other jazz greats in New York City. They also had a radio show in New York City and in Cincinnati. Ethel also wrote and performed many jingles for products such as Bavarian Beer and the Yellow Pages. Her father( my great grandfather) Phil Ponce, was the manager for Fats Waller of ”Ain’t Mis Behavin’”. The musical talent and the arts have been passed along to many of my family members. I am a true believer that musical talent, is in fact passed along from generation to generation. I now take great pride in watching my son perform, whose progression and natural talent as a drummer and guitar player will someday be heard by many.Growing up was not always easy. Along the way I have traveled the rocky road, and even entered that tunnel without any light at the other end on occasion. Fortunately, my flashlight always has a good set of batteries to help me find my way out. With awareness and conviction, I express my feelings of the past and present through my music, and harmonica playing. I hope you enjoy my blues as much as I do. With any luck, I will see you somewhere ……..somehow……..soon!"Downstairs Dave" ..