In-demand groover talks of learning bass by taking it slow, one step at a time
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
April 1, 2024
Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, David Dyson moved to Washington, DC, with his family when he was 2. After playing euphonium in school and in county orchestras, David discovered Larry Graham and Louis Johnson and promptly switched to bass. Soon he started doing performances in school, church, and in local bands, playing top 40, funk, and R&B, along with some session work. After high school he enrolled in Berklee College of Music in Boston, which led to a successful career in music. Over the years, David has performed and/or recorded with everyone from New Kids on the Block and Pieces of a Dream to George Duke, Regina Bell, Michael Franks, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Gerald Albright, and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. He’s also releases several albums of his own as a leader, including Soul Mates, The Dawning, and Unleashed.
Watch our interview with David!
Met Dave in person. He is one cool guy and a “ferocious” bass player. Saw him with A Pieces Of A Dream; Oli Silk w/Philip “Doc” Martin and Gerald Albright. Yup! He’s Groover!
Awesome! Lucky you, Eric. Thanks for passing that along!
Thanks Jon for a great interview as bass player myself listening to David Dyson interview is uplifting. myself a native of Washington DC and a true Louis Johnson fan. David just brought it all down to and early level for the average person. most of us can only dream about going to Berkeley school. all the music David mentioned is the same I grew up on as well. people ask me what your playing style? I say anything funky. I love smooth jazz yet like David say old school was the real deal. the 2000 watt bass amp he mentioned is Bugera off spring of Berhinger. anyway David you are awesome bass player personality. I’m going to look up your music.please come to regular Wash DC school and inspire kids. don’t limit to private school only.
Glad you liked the interview, LeGrand. Thanks for sharing your story. Yeah, David’s awesome for sure!