Being born and raised on a remote tobacco farm in Africa has been a big influence in Dave’s music. Not because he writes solely in an African style but because it has provided him with a wealth of fantastic memories of people and places and of the simple way of life he was brought up in. His music in many ways reflects this, he writes with passion and conviction on many subjects from love to war and beyond.

Dave was one of four children to John and Rosemary Walmisley who as pioneer farmers shortly after the second World War and with the help and encouragement of the British Colonial Government, embarked on the tricky business of establishing a tobacco farm in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

The farm spanned two and a half thousand acres of virgin African bush-veldt and apart from the lion, leopard, hyena and multitude of various antelope there were very few inhabitants living there when Dave’s parents arrived. They called the farm ‘Mutendamambo’ which simply interprets as ‘Thank you Lord’ in the local Shona dialect. Life was extremely hard going at times but also strangely rewarding and sometimes hugely entertaining. Where else would you encounter a twelve foot python wrapped around the piano legs on return from a trip to the shops?

 

This colourful childhood provided Dave with a deep regard and respect for Africa and it’s people. Having this vast farm playground naturally brought him in contact with African music and rhythms and these are evident in some of his music. Many of his early influences also came from across the Atlantic with the songs of the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly and others. Close harmony was something he understood instinctively but it was first hearing the Beatles that really made the biggest impression on him and he decided then and there that he must go to England and play music. He was thirteen.

At seventeen he sailed from Cape Town to Southampton and so began his introduction to the world of English Folk Music which took place over a period of years when the Folk movement was beginning to make way for other genres, however he identified with the music of the troubadours like Woody Guthrie,Dylan and Paxton and began to play and write developing more in his own style. A succession of different musical liaisons followed from the early Stoneground Band with John Howarth and Mike Green in 1983 to Plan ‘B’ with Diane Robinson and then on to the most successful ‘Risky Business’ with Ken Powell and Ruth Fuga which lasted nearly 12 years. His most recent adventures have now taken him on to help develop the original ‘John Wright Band’ into the new ‘Other Roads Band’ which rose from the ashes after the sad demise of John Wright in February 2009.

Dave’s solo work continues to make waves and his new album shows he has developed his own style.

His songs are recognised today as significant contributions the world of Folk Music.