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Bio:
2007 Blues Music Awards Nominee for "Best New Artist Debut" - At only 22, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Dave Gross leads a band of some of the finest players in the country, with blues roots that branch out in countless directions. Dave’s creativity and love for the original blues and jazz masters bring new life to the music scene, resulting in a hybrid music form that combines blues from the 40’s and 50’s with swing from the 30’s and 40’s.
Dave’s musical abilities have been described as being “so amazing, it’s scary.” He is a world-class guitarist who seamlessly moves from Chicago blues to swing to rockabilly to gypsy jazz and beyond. As a singer, he skillfully handles styles from Mississippi Delta blues to standards. As a songwriter, Dave’s interesting melodies surround mature, heartfelt lyrics that belie his age. As a performer, Dave has an electrifying presence that has won him a growing legion of fans who believe that he is one of the top players in the country.
Despite his young age, Dave has already shared stages with such national blues artists and legends as Hubert Sumlin, Duke Robillard, Popa Chubby, Debbie Davies, Bettye LaVette, Arthur Neilson, Sax Gordon, Doug “Mr. Low” James, Nick Moss, Willie Kent, Dennis Gruenling & Jumptime, Big Ed Sullivan, Joe Taino, Christine Santelli, Stephane Wrembel, Doña Oxford, among many other notable artists.
Dave has been influenced by a wide range of musicians that include T-Bone Walker, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Charlie Christian, BB King, Charles Brown, Arthur Neilson, Wynonie Harris, Django Reinhardt, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Rushing, Ray Charles, Jimmie Vaughan, and Tiny Grimes to name a few.
These influences and Dave’s extraordinary talents are showcased in his new album “Take The Gamble”. The new record includes 9 original and 4 cover songs, and truly reveals Dave’s phenomenal growth as an artist. The album showcases Dave’s diverse guitar and writing style, touching upon traditional and contemporary blues, swing, country, jazz and rock. It features special guests, including Duke Robillard, Doug James, Dennis Gruenling, Al Basile, and Doña Oxford.
In 2004, at the age of 19, Dave cut his exciting debut album “You Don’t Love Me.” The album was recorded “live” and captures his mature phrasing, sophisticated technical ability, rich tone and tremendous enthusiasm.
It has been remarkable to witness the evolution of Dave Gross as an artist. Having accomplished so much, so soon, one can only wonder where Dave’s considerable talents will lead him.
Quotes:
“There is one guitar player out of New Jersey. His name is Dave Gross. He can play, man! I mean, that boy can smoke! I sure like to bring him out with me on the road one day!”
“On this, Dave Gross’ second CD effort, he shows enormous growth as a player, singer and writer. With influences as diverse as T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian, Albert Collins and Danny Gatton, he molds his performances into his own voice, showcasing his impressive improvisational skills and technique on guitar, but never at the expense of the song. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with among contemporary roots and blues guitarists.”
"In every town I go there is a kid with a guitar who is out to cut heads. Usually upon hearing them I think to myself 'what a wanker.' When I heard Dave my ears stood up and I thought 'man this kid can play!' I love it when someone half my age and size makes me work twice as hard. Look out for Dave Gross."
"With so many young-gun guitar players trying to out-chop each other and sing in false, roughed-up voices in an attempt to emulate Stevie Ray or Jonny Lang, it's so refreshing to discover Dave Gross. Here is a young man who is digging deep into the blues, studying all of the masters, and yet simultaneously committed to finding his own voice as an artist."
"Every time I hear Dave Gross play he gets better and better! I only wish I played that good when I was his age. He's pretty amazing."
"Dave Gross is one of our most exciting new talents. Dave plays guitar not only with the technical skill, but with the intensity and depth of emotion that you'd expect in a much more seasoned player. Also a fine singer, Dave has been leading his own group in area venues, as well as playing alongside some of the region's best established players. Those of us present at this naissance can only wait and see where his guitar---and his heart---will take him next."
Blues Who New York