Biography: "Dr. Dave" Foster

Overview

"Dr. Dave" Foster is a multi-styled guitarist and songwriter, who plays rock, blues, R&B and swing, in fact, most genres, with equal virtuosity. His searing guitar solos, solid rhythm, and impeccable technique has earned him acclaim from both audience members and seasoned musicians.

The Early Years

Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1956, "Dr. Dave" began playing guitar and singing at the age of nine, and sang as a soloist in the internationally acclaimed John the XXIIIrd Boys Choir for many years.

At the age of fourteen, "Dr. Dave" began playing in a Montreal rock trio, Griffin, and worked in many groups in Quebec and the Maritime provinces during the ensuing years, including RPM and Starless. The repertoires included material by Yes, ELP, Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Gentle Giant.

As a Young Man

After finishing high school, "Dr. Dave" enrolled in the Jazz program at CEGEP, where he was one of only three guitarists accepted into the program from 70 applicants. He left the program after a year, having found the attitudes of the faculty of classical musicians somewhat restrictive. Then "Dr. Dave" worked in Velocet and The Frames, doing covers of Eagles, Rick Derringer, Mott the Hoople, David Bowie and Bob Seeger tunes.

At the age of 22, "Dr. Dave" moved to Toronto. After a brief time, he had health problems and, after a major surgery, returned to Montreal and joined the East Side Players, a band with a 200 song repertoire that included rock, country and disco. In 1982, "Dr. Dave" began working in the high-tech industry full time and continued playing on a part-time basis, as the guitarist for several Way Off Broadway productions, including Oklahoma, Hello Dolly, and Carousel. He also played bass in the Dixie jazz quintet, The Exceptions.

The "Doctor Dave" We Know

In 1988, "Doctor Dave" moved to Ottawa, Ontario, where he began focusing more on the songwriting aspect of the music industry, composing rock, blues, jazz, fusion and funk pieces, which are currently being refined for an upcoming CD.

In 1997, "Dr. Dave" began playing at open stages at Ottawa blues venues, where he soon became involved in the bands that he still works with today, including the:

• Maria Hawkins Band
• Jazz Neophytes
• Blue Express
• Brian Downey Big Band (a 17 piece swing band)
• Brian Downey Little Band
• Brian Downy's Dixieland Jazz Ensemble
• Ricky Roy Swing Band

For info about some of these bands, see "Dr. Dave's" Bands page.

"Dr. Dave" plays regularly at top Ottawa venues, including:

Festivals

• Ottawa Bluesfest
• Tulip Festival
• Francophonie Games
• Kingston's Riverfest, and
• Stewart Park Festival

Night Clubs

Casino du Hull

Rainbow Bistro

the Bayou Blues and Jazz Club, and

Private Parties

• Museum of Civilization
• Congress Centre
• Chateau Laurier, and
• the Westin Hotel

Regular Appearances

To view a listing of "Dr. Dave's" regular appearances, click here: Shows.

Teaching in the Community

In addition to live performance, "Dr. Dave" has been involved in the two
teaching programs at several Ottawa-Carleton area schools:

• Ottawa Bluesfest's "Blues in the Schools" program, and
• Maria Hawkins' "Blues 4 Kids" program.

Contact

"Dr. Dave" may be contacted at: 613-325-5889

or by e-mail (click below):

Current Bands

Regular Performances

Biography

Dr. Dave's" Resumé

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