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He
was encouraged by his father to take classical music lessons with a
Piano teacher in Bolton (Mrs Toseland) where his father paid for his
tuition right through the entire eight grades of Associated Board Piano
Examinations, passing all with Distinction.
Interest
progressed to the point when he became engrossed in not just playing but
also in writing and orchestrating which resulted in the formation his
own trio at the age of twelve performing in local venues.
It was also at this time, for the closing week of the magnificent
Grand theatre in Bolton, a special show was prepared with youngsters
from the local area performing, David being one of the line-up.
On the opening day of the show, the pianist of the resident
orchestra was taken ill. David
was asked could he stand in, and without a rehearsal he played very ably
with the orchestra in the pit and then quickly moved upstairs onto the
stage for his own performance, playing on the instrument that just 8
years ago he was too young to reach the pedals on it.
During
his latter years at school he was fascinated with the electronic organ
and at the age of sixteen, left school and joined Swan’s, the biggest
of all the Manchester Organ and Piano Dealer as organ technician. They
allowed him to take a break for two summers to be the personal pianist
and musical director for showman Peter Webster at the Central Pier in
Blackpool and in the Theatre on the pier.
This enormous
experience led him to become musical director in many cabaret clubs in
and around Manchester. During
this time, he was seen by Eric Delaney and was invited to join him as
keyboardist and Musical Director, which he did successfully for two
years. During that time he was MD for stars like Morecambe
& Wise, Ken Dodd and the late Tony Hancock, later appearing in a
Royal Command Performance in the presence of Her Royal Highness,
Princess Margaret.
After
this episode, wanting to be more in control he formed his own band
namely the Dave Smith Sound playing at Theatres and Cabaret Clubs around
the North West, including the North Pier Blackpool.
In
1974, Dave was appointed manager of a local music shop E.D.Brown Organs
in Bolton at the same time performing at many organ societies and making
several recordings, most of which were played on the Radio stations
including Radio Lancashire (call Radio Blackburn in those days).
While managing this store he was asked to enter the Yamaha
Electone Festival. He won
the UK heat, going on to win the European finals in Hambourg, where he
received as first prize, a trip to Japan and a chance to enter the
International Concours. It was here, in 1975, that he was presented with the
Most Outstanding Performance Award.
Returning
to the UK, he left the retail scene to appear with Trevor Chance playing
at major cabaret venues throughout the UK with many appearances on the
BBC "Pebble Mill at One" TV show.
Again
the electronic organ scene beckoned and Dave joined the Lowrey Organ
Company and was Artist for the European Operations of Lowrey playing at
venues and trade fairs all over Europe and the USA.
In 1979 he was promoted to Marketing Specialist/Artist, and
further promotion came in 1983 when he was made Keyboard Marketing
Manager for Lowrey in Europe.
1984 was decision making time, because the Company invited him
not only to work in Chicago, but reside there as well, where he became
Director of Product Planning and Development in 1985.
His
success was heard throughout the world and especially by the President
of Roland Corporation in Japan, Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi and he asked Dave
to form a Research and Development Department for Roland’s keyboard
products concentrating on a new line of instruments for Roland....the
Atelier range of organs.
After
many years with the Organ and Keyboard design team for Roland
Corporation Japan, he decided to return to the showbiz scene.
He is currently the Musical Director for many stars including the
very successful three tenors - Tenorissimo (see www.tenorissimo.co.uk).
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