Leytonstone BLUES JAM - Blues Jam Profiles: DAVE STEIN

Dave Stein

Bass player and Vocalist

Are you local?

Redbridge, Ilford.

Where are you from, originally?

Whitechapel, East London.

What's your tipple?

Red wine.

What's your earliest memory?

Going to my grandmother's in Bradford.

What was the first record you ever bought with your own money?

"Singing The Blues" by Guy Mitchell.

...and do you still have it?

No.

Any hobbies/interests?

Clay shooting / Golf / Reading.

Do you remember the very first gig you went to? What was it like?

Yes, it was at the Brady club in the east end and it was Screaming Lord Such. Fantastic!

Worst job you've ever had?

Working Panto's.

What's your claim to fame (not necessarily musical)?

Having bred a great family.

If you could invite 6 people (past, present or fictional) to dinner, Who would you choose?

I am lost here. I could not choose: there are too many interesting and nice people who would suit the evening.

Been playing/performing long?

I've been playing since the age of 8 and had my first band at 13.

Been in any bands?

Many, over the years.

What first got you interested in the Blues?

Gospel music, which naturally connected to the blues.

What other types of music do you like to listen to/play?

All styles of music, both to listen to and to play.

Favourite Blues artists?

Sonny Boy Williamson.

Favourite artists (any other genre) ?

Jazz pianist Monty Alexander.

Ever been lucky enough to meet or share a stage with one of your musical heroes?

Many times, and it's been a great honour.

Favourite instruments and/or equipment?

Bass is my favourite instrument and a good double bass beats any bass guitar. What a sound!!!!

If you had to sum up your relationship with the Blues using just one word, what would it be?

Happy.

Who would you pick (past or present) for your dream band?

Eric Clapton - Guitar / Vocals
Billy Preston - Hammond Organ
James Jamerson - Bass Guitar
Al Jackson Jr. - Drums
Charlie Musselwhite - Harp

Most embarrassing moment?

Playing at a new year's eve gig at the Target in Northolt, with an 11 year old on drums (who couldn't play) and an 87 year old pianist who, for age and arthritic problems with his hands, also couldn't play. Needless to say, I left after 15 minutes and wanted to fall into a hole in the ground.

Proudest moment!

Performing in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans with great people.

What do you most enjoy about the Blues Jam?

Hearing songs/tunes played in such a variety of styles and also the warmth of the genuine people who attend.

If you could travel back in time to be present at one moment/event in musical history, what would it be?

Being at the Apollo Theater in its heyday. You had Marvin Gaye - Little Stevie Wonder - The Temptations - Aretha Franklyn - The Four Tops - The Supremes and all the other big names in the same room at the same time. Just a fantastic time and atmosphere.

Who would they cast to play you in the movie of your life?

Whoever it may be, he must be bald and ugly!

Marmite: - Yes or No?

NO!

If you were invited on "Desert Island Discs", which 8 records would you choose?

1. Try A Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
2. Night Mist Blues - The Monty Alexander Trio
3. Work Song - Oscar Brown Jr.
4. Stormy Monday Blues - Little Walter
5. I Need Your Love So Bad - Peter Green
6. I Say A Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin
7. The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson
8. The Brandenburg Concertos - Jacques Loussier Trio

...and what would be your luxury item?

Soap.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

To live every minute and enjoy.

Go on - tell us a secret!

I have a full head of hair, but cover it up with a bald wig.