New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Nashville guitarist Dave Baker steps to the forefront from his sideman/session role with his debut album 71 South. This eclectic album brings the listener a collection of diverse instrumentals that encompass musical cleverness, humor, and virtuosity while humbly reflecting Baker's character.
The two-time Berklee College of
Music scholarship winner is currently playing guitar for country music recording artist, former American Idol contestant, and Dancing with the Stars champion Kellie Pickler. Baker is a PRS Guitars artist and may also conjure a familiarity from numerous Dr Z Amplifier videos which are featured on the Dr Z Amps website (https://www.drzamps.com/videos/).
71 South's ten tracks underscore Dave's variety in musical styles, from the tongue-in-cheek neo-classical opener "Guitar Center Saturday," Eastern European-influenced "The Brothel," and Latin-influenced "Esteban," to the Ennio Morricone-inspired "Spaghetti Western," and his title track "71 South" which pays tribute to a jazzier, bop affected characterization.
Recorded in Nashville, 71 South features some of
Music City's finest players including drummer Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean), bassist Vail Johnson (Keb Mo/Kenny G), and multi-instrumentalist/producer John Painter (Ben Folds/Sevendust).
A Cleveland, Ohio native, Baker grew up in a musical family not necessarily reflective of the roots of the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" city. Baker's grandmother played guitar and sang on a weekly radio show, which centered around traditional country western and bluegrass. Her radio success then segued into playing guitar and singing backup vocals for Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers).
During his time in Cleveland, Baker played and produced countless commercial jingles for McDonalds,
Pearl Vision, The Cleveland Browns, The Cleveland Indians, UFC, and many television news packages for NBC and other broadcasting networks.
Having a sincere love for country music, Baker made a transition to Nashville in the fall of 2010. Since then he has played for many high profile country artists while maintaining his commercial music career.
In the near future, the back cover of 71 South (original photo by Baker's wife) will grace the side of Nashville's historic 12th and Porter building as a mural painted by local artist Kim Kennedy. Kennedy was chosen as the first featured artist for 12th and Porter's new "Rotating Mural Initiative."
71 South is sure to please music lovers and guitar enthusiasts alike. It can be heard at https://davebakerguitar.com/Site/Music.html and is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
