dave1782922

SEEKING

Band to Join, Accordion, Acoustic Guitar, Background Singer, Bagpipes, Banjo, Bass Guitar, Cello, Clarinet, DJ, Dobro, Drums, Electronic Music, Fiddle, Flute, Harmonica, Harp, Keyboard, Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Other, Other Percussion, Piano, Rhythm Guitar, Saxophone, Steel guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, Ukulele, Upright bass, Violin, Vocalist, Vocalist - Alto, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Soprano, Vocalist - Tenor.

ABOUT

Highly experienced front and side man. Professional no nonsense attitude. Have worked extensively in the Gospel music, Country, Classic Rock, and Southern Rock industries.The year 1969 was a turn around year for Dave. He was 17 years old, a product of the 1960's revolution mentality and you might say at that point not to easy on his parents or any other authority figure for that matter. In 1969, He had left home early and while in downtown Ft Wayne IN was in the same place, same time as a touring group called "Count Five". This Rock group had started in 1964 and released a hit single titled "Psychotic Reaction" peaking at number four in the U.S. charts in late 1966. In 1969 one of the guitar players had left the group and Dave had overheard them saying they needed a guitar player. When he inquired about it, they had told Dave that he had become seriously ill and had to leave the group to recuperate (later he heard rumors that he had actually left because he fell in love and wanted off the road)... long story made short, Dave stepped right in. The guys being in their early 20's, all acted like Dave's older brothers and tried to keep him safe and out of trouble. Over the following several months, Dave toured and played with them. As their only hit "Psychotic Reaction" from 1966 had fallen from public memory, the rest of the group decided to retire as some wanted to pursue college degrees. But During those final touring months he had the privilege to backstage access to such acts as Bob Seger, Grand Funk Railroad, Steppenwolf, Alice Cooper and a few more. When the year was over and the group finished, so was David. Although it was an exciting adventure for him, the constant travel and lifestyle had left him at a very low 145 lbs. and was suffering from ulcers. Seeking medical attention, he stopped playing music altogether for several years.
Now in his early twenties, with health restored, he met the well established Nashville songwriter, Billy Nix. Billy had a group called Billy Nix and the Ideals. Dave became an Ideal playing bass for Billy until mid 1979. This opened up many opportunities to learn the business as he worked in concert, club, and studio environments. It was during the mid 70's when David met and married his present wife, SherryJo. In late 1979 Dave started his own country / southern rock band called “Sweet Water Junction”. This band proved to be a popular, high energy country band in that tri-state area. David played lead guitar, sang bass and shared lead vocals with Sam Moffett Jr, the bass player, and Scott Page, the drummer. His wife, Sherry ran the lights and sound. The Sweet Water Junction Band has a past career that included working with many other Country artist, some as well known as; Dave Dudley, Del Reeves, Sonny Wright and Peggy Sue Webb, sister of Loretta Lynn. In 1987, Dave, while continuing in his music, moved his family from Indiana to the Sunny state of Florida, where he spent the next 25 years before moving on to the border hills of the Carolinas in 2012.
Through-out the musical journey and moves, David and SherryJo kept busy raising eight beautiful children. Although continuing in music after their move to Florida, a lot of their time was spent raising the children. With the older children being musically inclined, in 1995 the Sweet Water Junction Band continued to evolve. This time the entire family started off on a faith journey that lasted six ½ years as they traveled throughout the nation. During this time, The band which consisted of The McDowell Family were singing and playing their own brand of, mostly original, along with some old favorite, Southern Gospel numbers. They performed in hundreds of churches, festivals, and concert halls through-out the United States. During this time they recorded seven musical projects and influenced the lives of countless people during their musical journey. During those travels they appeared with some well known National Gospel Groups such as; The Hoppers, The McKiethens, John Rowsey with New Journey, The Freemans, Phiefers, The Wisnauts, The Primitive Quartet, Kirk Talley, and countless regional groups. As the children grew and married, they once again settled in Florida in 2001 through 2012.
In 2002 they changed the format of their music, going back to their father's original Country roots ... Returning to the true sound of The Sweet Water Junction Band. Since Covid in 2020 David has played with several local and regional bands since as both filling in and as a member.