Biography Dave Keyes

Dave has been a mainstay on the New York music scene for over 20 years, playing with some of the most important figures of blues, roots and folk music. This varied musical journey started in the spiritual Southern sounds of blues, soul and classic boogie-woogie, and continues through Dave's recent CD's and his vibrant soulful live shows.

His 3rd CD, COVERED IN BLUE. which received 3 1/2 stars from Downbeat magazine, is a rambunctious set of mostly original material that ranges from New Orleans second line funk to slow, sensual blues and swaggering shuffles.

Live performances-Dave's masterful rapport with his audience has become a distinctive element for Dave and his band, with their performances earning them many kudos including winning the Blues Foundation's International Blues Competition. Their many festival appearances include King Biscuit Blues Festival, Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, and annual appearances at Lugano Switzerlands's Blues to Bop Festival among many others.

Over the last 10 years, Dave worked with the late great Odetta and played on many of her last shows most notably the 50th Anniversary McCabes concert at UCLA, in Oct. '08 and her appearance before tens of thousands at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Fest in Golden Gate Park. Dave also is currently working with gospel great Marie Knight, and performed in '08 with her at the Chicago Blues Fest and France's legendary Cognac Blues Fest where Dave has also been featured as a solo performer.

Dave has also worked as sideman for a who's who of roots music masters, such as Bo Diddley, Sleepy La Beef, Big Jay McNeely, Eddy Clearwater, Tracy Nelson, Wayne and Ronnie Baker Brooks, and the late Ruth Brown, in addition to accompanying such diverse artists as Gladys Knight, Pam Tillis, David Johansen,

Darlene Love and the late Lou Rawls. He currently appears frequently with bluesman Popa Chubby.

Over the last decade Dave has worked in many roles as a band leader and Conductor for both Broadway shows and TV, most notably conducting over 600 performances during the six year run of the Grammy winning Broadway musical smash SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE. Since then, he's conducted and performed in the orchestras of Broadway musicals LENNON, URBAN COWBOY and the Earth Wind & Fire inspired HOT FEET.

Dave who served as the musical director and band leader for the nationally syndicated NBC TV morning variety show, The Ainsley Harriott Show. also writes music for televison and the media. With saxophonist Chris Eminizer, their company Crave Music creates underscoring and songs that have appeared in numerous TV and films.Their work runs the gamut from emotional underscore, to vintage R&R, to contemporary Alternative and Indie Rock.

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