DAVE SWIFT

Dave was born in Wolverhampton, England. Influenced by his two older brothers he decided to take up a musical instrument, starting with his brothers' acoustic and electric guitars. It wasn't until he was 14, though, that he decided to take music seriously and pick an instrument that he was really passionate about. He chose the trombone, and started having lessons at school. It wasn't long before he was playing in various bands and orchestras and taking music grades. Shortly afterwards he and some friends formed their own band but needed a bass guitar player. Dave volunteered. He could already read music well, and it didn't take long to transfer his knowledge to a new instrument. Having no luck in finding a teacher for the bass guitar, Dave taught himself, using whatever books and written tutors he could find. When Dave's trombone teacher saw his progress on the bass guitar, he advised him to take up the acoustic bass as well, knowing the added benefit of playing both instruments in the professional world. Dave turned professional at 18 and became a session bassist, playing on film soundtracks, TV adverts, and radio jingles. He spent the next two years playing in various bands and travelling around the world on cruise ships. He eventually moved to London in 1988 and resumed work as a session musician. In 1991, Dave heard that Jools Holland was looking for an acoustic bass player; he went for the audition and got the gig! He has also been the house bassist on Johnny Vaughan Tonight (BBC3), and is still an in-demand session musician. Recently, he played double bass for the 1980's pop star Rick Astley.

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