David (aka. El Forastero) started his percussion journey in 2000 while completing his undergraduate degree in Fine Arts Cultural Studies at York University with a focus on hand percussion (various world traditions). Under the direction of his dear friend and guru, award winning percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar (voted Percussionist of the Year five times by Canada's Jazz Report magazine) he has been able to learn and excel at various percussion instruments. Although his main area of focus is Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian percussion, he has training in a wide variety of world percussion and rhythms.
Although his training is predominantly in the traditions of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Music, his musical interests span a wide variety of musical genres. An avid house music junkie, David likes to think of himself as a unique entity. He likes to think about what he does as an added element which enhances the music that he plays; as opposed to just banging away and being seen as a separate/exclusive part of the music experience. There are many percussionists out there who do great work, however what sets David apart is his extensive knowledge of music and form. Knowing when to lay out of build ups, when to sit on a pattern and when to take an improvised solo during a climax is key in keeping the groove and the drive alive in order to keep the crowd dancing and engaged in the music. "In order to do this well I believe that 'less is more' and keeping things simple is key".
A uniquely versatile musician, David continues to be involved in a wide variety of innovative projects. In addition to being a member of Samba Squad, an-award-winning percussion ensemble charting new directions in Brazilian "batucada" (UMAC (Urban Music Association of Canada) Award for Best World Recording of 2001 for their self-titled release), he is also the co-founder and director of Rhythm Factory (www.rhythmfactory.ca) which provides team building through percussion workshops for children, school groups and adults. More recently, David has collaborated with his fellow band mates to record their debut album "The Latin Bang Theory". BSC says that "David's musical talent and extraordinary ear for music is what makes him exceptional and what many have called a natural".
David can play a variety of different percussion instruments and is trained in the following:
Afro-Cuban/Peruvian: Congas, Bongos, Timbales, bata, batajon, cajon, blocks, bells, etc.
Afro-Brazilian/Brazilian: Atabaque, Xequere, Alfaia, All Batucada/Batteria drums (repinique, timbal, surdo de marcação, surdo de resposta, surdo de corte, tamborim, pandeiro, caixa, malacachetta, agogo, cuica, chocalho, rebolo, etc.)
African: Djembe, Talking Drum
Notable Achievements:
- Babalao Stereo Club - The Latin Bang Theory, 2011
- Ron Beer - Somebody Help Me, 2010
- Samba Squad - Batuque, 2006
- Jesse Cook: One Night at the Metropolis (DVD - Montreal Jazz Fest 2006)
- Montreal Jazz Fest
- Mhutadi's International Drumming Festival
- Opened for Sarah McLaughlin at John Labbatts Centre (London), Cops Coliseum (Hamilton), and Air Canada Centre (Toronto)
- Easter Seals Telethon
- New Years Eve 2007 at Nathan Philip's Square
We recently caught up with David for a brief interview:
Q: So how did you meet the guys in Babalao?
We met in the back alley of a studio...seriously! Jaime and I play together with Samba Squad, and one night after rehearsal he told me about BSC and they were looking for a percussionist. This was in the back of the studio...a dead end street where we all parked our cars.
Q: Babalao is a pretty multicultural group, what is your background?
I was born and raised here in Toronto, however my family comes from Italy and Portugal. But, I think I was Cuban and Brazilian in a past life.
Q: Do you have a background in any other instruments?
Aside from the thousands of drums that I play??? I played tenor sax in highschool...and I play a mean Peruvian donkey jaw!!!
Q: Do you have anyone who you would consider an inspiration to you musically?
#1 - My guru and long time friend Rick Shadrach Lazar! He has taught me everything I know and I'm still learning. The man is never ending pot of musical knowledge!
#2 - Giovanni Hidalgo...absolutely THE BEST Conguero in the world!
Q: What’s your most memorable gig?
There's 2...
1. Montreal Jazz Fest 2009 - I was playing with Samba Squad and we were musical guests with Jesse Cook. We got on stage and I couldn't believe the sea of people in front of me. There were literally 20,000 people in front and another 5,000 behind the stage watching the action of the live screens! Totally mind blowing!
2. My very first gig EVER...Samba Squad was playing the half time show at the Grey Cup Semi Final at what was then the Shy Dome - Argo's vs. Ti-Cats. Rick needed some extra bodies to play so he asked his York Students. I jumped at the opportunity. The best part of it all was that I got to spend the entire night, and a drive home with the love of my life.
Q: What is your astrological sign?
I'm on the cusp of Virgo/Libra...but I possess more Virgo traits.
Q: What do you do with your free time?
FREE TIME? What is that???
Q: Last Question, any words of wisdom to share?
YES YOU CAN!!!
