Beloved Fort Collins bluegrass guitarist David Jensen is venturing out into a solo career after spending the last few years with National Touring band Blue Grama. What lies on the horizon for his solo career is fun and light hearted, a new group called DJ Meow Mix & the Grabbers.
David has had a long time love affair with the guitar. It started when he was 13 and has flourished into more than just a passion over the past 17 years. He traveled down the path of garage bands with friends to a formal education at Mary Washington University where he studied Jazz Guitar. Jazz methodology is like bluegrass in a way that a repertoire of songs is rehearsed solo, then groups gather together for freeform playing and jamming. Like bluegrass, the real magic happens in the jam sessions.
David met a very influential person while at the University, Jim Burton, who nurtured his bluegrass guitar playing. Jim was an avid activist who promoted Folk and bluegrass guitar music to the younger generation. He took David under his wing and introduced him to a circle of musicians that acted as a support network for David. It gave David the opportunity to hone his craft, excel in his passion, and become the experienced player he is today.
Dave speaks about Jim, “He was ‘instrumental in recruiting Bluegrass bands to the D.C. Area. that would be influential to the younger generation.’ He was not much of a live performer himself.”
David set out on his way to the Wild West. At that point, Jim gave him the guitar he still plays today. Hank is the name of Dave’s trusty guitar. You can see on the body all of the years of pickin’.
David has his debut show on January 20 at Oskar Blues Longmont with his new project DJ Meow Mix and the Grabbers.
This band is “a pop bluegrass band playing tunes like Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” and Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” (think the best of the 80s & 90s – Madonna, Blondie, etc.) with a bluegrassy flair.”
Dave’s extensive background blends styles from across genres. This band is something fresh, modern, and progressive.
David also does in home lessons for bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and drums. Visit his Facebook page to learn more.
Listen to the whole interview on Soundcloud:
