I was swept into the vibrant world of Spanish and Flamenco music at a very young age—around 5 years old, I suspect—or at least as far back as my memory (or life’s Hard Drive) can reach, which is now over 60 years! The first song I vividly remember, whether it was played just for me or I stumbled upon it while dashing through the living room, was the mesmerizing tune Malagueña! I'm pretty sure I came to a complete stop, if only for a moment, and sat there with my head tilted like a curious puppy, utterly captivated by the enchanting sounds as I eagerly absorbed and processed it all 😊. Knowing that tune, I probably dashed off afterward, imagining myself fighting a bull like the Looney Tunes character Taz. Oh, how I wish I still had that boundless energy and the ability to fall without feeling any pain now!
Since that time, and I suspect around 1967, I have had a disciple-like following of the genre, and many of those songs I call "Tunage," for I will just spool them up and loop them over and over again and let them marinate into my mind on my special mental playlist I affectionately call the DDT "Dave's Decompression Tank" tunes and have them playing while running the Skiff along some beautiful shoreline or carving my way up some Mangrove lined creek. This, or just sitting back home at the end of the day with my camera beside me and a drink while watching the Sun go Down at the end of another day in paradise while enjoying God's creation and Artistry with scenes like this...
So, years ago when my awesome Bride, as a surprise wedding present, commissioned the master guitar artist David Feder - Ole Spanish Florida Guitar Master, to play at our wedding at Playa Largo with his brand new Guitar he had just picked up in Spain...
I was over the Moon! While sitting at the reception and taking it all in, I tuned in his music to drown out all the other background sounds and the demands of my time while focusing on Her.
Later that evening, after joyfully thanking and hugging so many dear friends and family who traveled to Key Largo for our special day, I finally got the chance to chat with Dave about his instruments and playing style. It was yet another unforgettable memory from that day, speaking with and instantly becoming friends with Brother Dave, a moment I will cherish forever!
Dave and I also (of course) got to talk some Flats Fishing, his home and artistic efforts in Islamorada, and the extraordinary friendship he had with Jose Wejebe, who was a media pioneer and very influential in our space with his long-running TV show I also loved (still do) Spanish Fly...
And what I think sets the mood for myself and many others when watching it. It was the show's theme, for it conveyed some of Dave's music, who also played with Jose, and a large part of our Vibe and Soul here on Flats Nation! You know that "Ole Spanish Florida" feel many of us have and share for the Love of and History of our Great State! So, here in honor of Jose, and that vibe is his Last Show, and see if you also agree.
David Feder, though, is awesome, and many came up to me that evening, remarking how great he was! And from some I know, this is not their musical genre of choice or the first thing they would fire up back home or in their SUV. They might now, and this speaks to the appeal of his musical talent, playing style, and presentation.
Here is another sample of Dave's music and one of my personal favorites; see if you agree.
You can learn more about Dave and his music by clicking Here and on his YouTube channel.
And, I had no idea until I started researching for this article— which was one of our first one for this section of Flats Nation, years ago by the way!— that Dave is also a pretty talented painter. You can check out his work, and if you see something you like, grab some pieces for your home or office by clicking Here.
I trust you will enjoy his music as much as I do, and he has been a huge help to us with our shows! We are looking forward to recording, is a Podcast with Dave who is Music Director now here on Flats Nation on his career, influences, and, of course, some Fishing if we can fit it in!
And finally, make sure to catch Dave's incredible show on Facebook Live every Sunday night at 8PM! Dive into the chat to say hi and request your favorite songs! 😎
Have fun, and if you need a quick mental break, take a few minutes to check out and buy some of Dave's (tunage) music. It's probably way less harmful than any blood pressure medication your doctor might give you, and a lot cheaper too! 😉
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few other Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go, on these links:
Our main podcast page works great for your mobile device since it will stream right on your phone/tablet. It can be found by clicking Here
Also, The "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection, if you like our content, has some new works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear, which can be found Here.
Tight Lines, and God bless!
Dave and the Team
Comments