BIOGRAPHY

David Small, drummer extraordinaire, was born in Springfield, Missouri and began playing the drums when he was only 3 years of age. By the time he was 7, Small realized his calling and knew exactly what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. The desire and drive to become a professional musician was coursing through his veins! Influenced by those closest to him, David found inspiration in his great uncle and jazz musician Dave Bedell and his uncle Larry Bedell. Both played integral roles in his growth as an accomplished drummer in addition to influences from such artists as the great Buddy Rich. In his personal life, Small has been inspired by the philosophies of martial arts expert, Bruce Lee. As described by David, “Bruce can be completely devastating but at the same time be just as pleasant as a flower. He is just so smooth and powerful but at the same time he is calm and gentle!” These philosophies play out in Small’s unique and unparalleled drumming style.

David’s percussion skills have earned him involvement with an impressive list of projects ranging from an Arkansas-based, country-rock project called Gray Ghost to a casino gig titled Show Stoppers where Small showcased his distinct talent playing to the music of artists such as Michael Jackson, Shania Twain, The Temptations and Gloria Estefan. An extremely diverse musician, David is comfortable playing a multitude of styles including country honky-tonk, funk, jazz, blues, rock and everything in-between. A musician of many hats and musical styles, he is a true kaleidoscope of talent.

Traveling extensively David has played venues around the world including dates in Brazil, Japan and Bahrain in addition to a countless number of US cities. He credits his unique drumming style to his diverse experiences. “ I just pull from all of the influences around me from Jazz to Funk to R&B,” explains Small “and I turn it into my own style.”

His most recent project is a five-man collaboration between David Ellefson, Steve Conley, Dale Steele, John Davis and himself to create the band F5! It was in February of 2003 that Small sat down in a room with David Ellefson (of Megadeth fame) and Steve Conley to jam out some music and test the waters. What came out was pure magic and the rest will be history as F5 hits the studio to record their debut album that promises to ‘hit hard and leave a mark!’ With a heavy sound and melodic overtones, F5 is best compared to a mixture of artists such as Disturbed and Nickelback.

Described by his friends as charismatic, upbeat (literally) and always smiling, a formidable challenge has been set to find a moment when David Small does not have a smile on his face. David plays music for the love of it and believes he is living out his dream. For him the reward and satisfaction comes when he sees faces light up around him. He loves to see people groovin' to his music. David explains, “I like to see people being happy and having fun and if my drumming can do it, that is all the better!"

You couldn’t meet a nicer guy or a more amazing talent. The two mixed together are a double-threat just waiting to blow your mind. You had better watch out! Soon he’ll be coming to a town near you!"
 

David says he loves to travel, meet new people, and is always looking for new challenges.  To contact David Small, email him at dsmall@dabodrums.com or call (602) 348-3360.