I first met South African Harp player and singer Dave Ferguson on the London Blues scene several years ago. Now based in Italy, Dave and I caught up at my place recently during his visit to the UK.
Dave was one of the first people to develop a one man harmonica show using loops and effects pedals to try and offer something different and practical from a touring perspective at the same time. His whole touring rig fits in one brief case. He turns up, takes the lid off, plugs in and he's ready to go. Needless to say, a lot less hassle than taking a band on the road.
The use of harmonica, beatboxing and loops was of course popularised by the stellar Son of Dave, who Mr Ferguson knows personally and cites as a major influence on his music. Having heard Dave play over the years and close-up last week there's no question he has his own sound and musicality. Over the years Dave has refined his music and show and now has over 40 original songs and tours all over Europe and regularly in his home country where he says the music scene is buzzing. Dave has yet to release an album despite a wealth of material but he's hoping to make his debut next year. Come on man!
We jammed, exchanged tips and ideas and I was blown away by the songs Dave played using his rig which we ran through a little practise amp I had kicking around. Check out the tone he gets! He kindly agreed to let me video a couple of takes which I've posted here.
In the first one Dave talks us through his fantatsic pedal board and then dives straight into a tune called 'Love Hurts'. The first few minutes are definitely for all you harp geeks out there but watch the last few minutes for a soulful tune which showcases Dave's style.
The second video is Dave playing a up tempo house groove where he plays around with the beats, building up to some mean vocals.
I had a great time hanging out and I hope you enjoy these vids which give a glimpse into Dave's music. Check him out on MySpace and lookout for an album next year, will be worth the wait!