Biog
Born in London in 1970, and brought up on a diet of Bob Dylan, John Prine, The Faces, Status Quo, The Rolling Stones, The Pogues, Chas 'n' Dave, Johnny Cash, Bert Jansch, and Ralph McTell, it was in early 1993 that Dave Sutherland first dipped his toe into the music scene in and around South London. A bit premature some might say with only a few chords under his belt, as he gained experience and confidence, this was to change.
In 1994 a booking at the Phoenix Festival put Dave in the company of Bob Dylan and Van Morrison (if only on the Acoustic Tent!) However, fate stepped in, the heavens opened prior to the set and Mr Sutherland played to a crowd of 300!
The drive, gig, sleep, drive routine continued throughout the U.K. Shows opening for Glenn Tilbrook, a tour of Ireland and an invite to the Glasgow Jazz Festival all kept Dave busy for the next couple of years. Then in1996 Dave crossed paths with folk guitar legend, Bert Jansch. This period was to be invaluable for Dave. An apprenticeship of sorts, Dave toured and opened shows for Bert in some major theatres around the U.K. During this time Bert recorded and produced ‘Navigator’, Dave’s first album.
Undoubtedly the Jansch stamp has rubbed off in some form or other in Dave’s work to date, particularly in his terrific guitar picking.
Continuing to play the London circuit, a chance meeting with U.S. pedal steel player, Bill Fleming, and two rehearsals before three London shows in quick succession, delivered the live album, ‘London Bootleg’. An invitation to go to America was instantly accepted and along with Mo Clifton on bass, that summer Dave touched down in Atlanta Georgia.
The short time in the States was enough for Dave to want to return as soon as possible. In March the following year Dave played his first U.S. tour accompanied by Martin Brown on Mandolin and Fiddle with Mo Clifton again on bass. Special appearances from Bill Fleming and Fred Williams on piano added further flavour to the set. Appearances at The Harvest and Dogwood Festival were among the highlights. Dave returned to London and it was time for a new album…….
Recorded in Greenwich at Escapade Studios, ‘Comfortable Junction’ was finished by Jan ’99. Produced by Martin Brown and Gary Brady, the sessions were mainly recorded live with a full band behind the songs. Guy Whitby played drums alongside the bass of Gary Brady. Martin Brown played an assortment of mandolins, fiddles, electric guitars, while pianist Fred Williams flew into London (his first visit!) to complete the line up.
Initially released in the U.S., Dave again crossed the pond for a tour stretching from New York to Florida to promote the record. Nine states in all, including radio sessions and the odd television appearance, has seen an increase in Dave’s popularity.
Dave’s next album was the universally well-received ‘American Refrigerator’. Recorded in 2001 again in Escapade Studios and produced by Dave Dix (Black, Eddi Reader, Alison Moyet), the album began to grab some attention after a chance meeting backstage at The Festival Hall with Bob Harris. The following week Bob played it on BBC Radio 2 and was picked up by BBC DJ Dave Cash who playlisted no less that 5 tracks on his show throughout the year.
Fans of the album include John Prine, Phillip Chevron, Ralph Mctell and Rick Parfitt. Shooter Jennings and Willie Nelson have both shown interest in recording songs from the album.
Dave is now back in the studio with his new record label, Red Kite Records, recording his 4th studio album.
‘On The Waiting List’ is due for release in 2008.
‘American Refrigerator was my companion on my last tour of Ireland until it was stolen by my tour manager, I can think of no higher compliment’ - RALPH McTELL
‘American Refrigerator has been my surprise find of the year, It has not been off of my turntable since it arrived, brilliant!’ - MIKE DAVIES, NET RHYTHMS
‘Who the hell is this guy and why is he not on a major label?’ - FOLIO WEEKLY, JACKSONVILLE
