Dave has been playing drums for more than fifty years. After playing with several bands in the Manchester area, he joined the legendary Zenith Six in 1958 and stayed with them for four years. During this time several LPs, later re-issued as CDs, were made for George Buck's Jazzology label (USA).After two years with the Red River Jazzmen - including a successful appearance at the Zurich Jazz Festival - Dave left the jazz scene for a few years, resurfacing to join the Harlem Hot Stompers in 1976, the band with which he plays to this day, and with whom he has also developed his popular `thirties style' singing.
Dave was resident drummer with Bricktop's Jazz Babes for ten years including several visits to New Orleans in the early 1990s to play at the Festival and in Fritzels Bar on Bourbon Street. In 1992 the band were made Honorary Citizens of New Orleans.
In great demand as a versatile and experienced singer and drummer, Dave is most bands' first choice as deputy, a role he has fulfilled in recent years with West Jesmond Rhythm Kings, Max Collie, Chicago Teddy Bears, the George Huxley Jazz Band and of course with Mart Rodger's Manchester Jazz - reviving Mart and Dave's partnership from their days with the Zenith Six.
At the 2001 Keswick Jazz Festival Dave made a successful appearance with the `Queen of New Orleans' Lillian Boutté, and her Jazz Friends led by Thomas L'Étienne.
Over the years Dave has played with most of the well known names in jazz including, from the UK, Sandy Brown. Al Fairweather, Bruce Turner, Sammy Rimington, Tommy Burton, Kenny Baker, George Melly and Humphrey Lyttelton; and from the USA, Tim Laughlin, Louis Nelson, Jack Maheu, and pianist John Royan.
Currently featured with Lily's Weepers and Willy's Weepers (fortnightly residency at The Wilbraham Arms, Alsager).