David Parker

Professionalism.

David B. Parker
From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 1 Child
Instrument: Guitar, Bass, Piano, Vocals

First instrument: Piano, Clasical training starting at 7yrs old
Training:Private Bass for 2 years when 17,
Jazz studies Milwaukee Conservatory of music
Various SBCC Adult Ed and UCSB Leisure review classes
Professional experience:Concert halls and Bars since 17, Recording staff bassist for studio while attending college, On and off on call to local studios throughout career
Education: BS and MS in Engineering

Dave's got rhythm, and he's most certainly got music. Now David Parker’s also got the job of being the Mustangs bassist and family member...one that will doubtless fit this most righteous and cheerful of Southern Californians like a glove. Parker is best known as a mean plucker. A finger-playin' bassist that will slam a thumb, pop a string, play fretted or fretless, or pick up a pick if it helps convey the message of the song.
His dexterity, tones and attitude have seen him grace the bass of the local Santa Barbara scene. His first professional chops started in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin while an undergraduate, making some spare coin in a bar or while an “on call” artist in a local studio. It all stems back to a family filled with music.

Growing up in and around Milwaukee David heard everything, from Led Zeppelin to Clasical with a chunk of Motown and funk in between. Grandma B would regularly take him to concerts in the park where he could see the power of music; His father’s family was all taught from Grandma P’s love of piano and music in the house. (rather conservative, but put she the music first; she really liked what the Beatles were doing till she heard “Why Don’t We Do it in the Road”) This environment developed a rhythmic vibe that got him to play with a variety of local bands in Milwaukee and Madison through his early 20s until he left the Midwest for sunny Santa Barbara.
David expanded by playing punk to jazz in a number of groups and is one of the most exciting bass talents.What started as opening options for writing and ear training became a good growth David added guitar to the instrument arsinal. This grew to getting asked to duo or solo gigs with many other musicians and built his confidence. The confidence has allowed David to expand in vocals and is holding up the low end of the register for the Mustangs band with primarily backups but a few choice lead vocals. Outside of the band, other gigs has lead David to grow as a musician and artist playing Bass, Guitar, and Keyboard with vocals.