David Dyson is one of the funkiest bass players you will ever hear. When Meshell Ndegeocello chooses you as her bass player, you know you’ve got the goods. David was born in South Dakota but relocated to the Washington, D.C. area when he was 2 years old and has been a busy member of the D.C. and American music scene for decades. Having grown up on funk, jazz, rock, fusion and go-go music, David is an extremely versatile and in demand bassist.
After graduating from Berklee, David became the bass player and eventually musical director for the New Kids on The Block and was able to tour the globe with them. After the New Kids gig, David toured and recorded with Steve Coleman recording the albums Genesis and The Opening of The Way. Shortly after that, David began working with bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, a story which he recounts in our interview. The interweaving of Meshell and David’s bass playing and interplay between the two is incredible, you can check it out here.
David has worked with many musical giants including Lalah Hathaway, George Duke, Regina Bell, Gerald Albright, Candy Dulfer, Pieces of a Dream, Jonathan Butler, Doc Powell and Chuck Brown to name just a few. David also currently works with some of the new guard rising up in music The Schultz family, including prodigies Justin Lee and Jamie Leigh Schultz. His versatility, experience and positivity have kept him in demand with players of all genres and ages.
In this interview we discuss David’s musical roots, his work with the New Kids, Steve Coleman, Meshell, The Schultz Family and what it takes to be a musician as versatile and in demand as he is. David also breaks down his signature mute-picking technique and the go-go music swing feel. This is an interview you don’t want to sleep on!
David also has 3 incredible solo albums that you need to check out entitled “Soulmates,” “The Dawning” and “Unleashed,” all full of heavy funk grooves and beautiful melodic lines. Check them out today wherever you get your streamables.
This full interview is available as part f the Low End Nation Bass Lessons Membership. Not a member? What are you waiting for? Start your free 7 day trial now and then pay as little as $6.99/month!
