Dave's Musician's Corner

June 13, 2008

Hi Everybody!

Thanks for stopping by my little piece of the web site! I’m the newest Mighty Flyer. I joined the band in the fall of 2005. And I’ve had a blast so far. And look forward to all that lies ahead for us in the future. If you don’t know me…. well here’s the story…

I was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1960. I grew up in a house filled with music. Both my older brothers played the drums so I had a front row seat for all their bands practicing. And I knew from an early age that drumming was what I wanted to do. I followed the family tradition and began playing at a pretty early age. I started Playing in bands at 13, and was working in clubs by 16. A few bands later and I was playing my first road gigs by 18. I got the chance to play on the island of Montserrat in 1981. And while there had the chance to record at Air Studio. After that it was the big move to Los Angeles in 1982. I thought it would be easy… Join a band… Get a record deal… Be a Rock Star!!!! BOY WAS I WRONG!!!  But I did learn a lot in those years… How to keep playing music while doing whatever day job I could find to keep the dream alive. I played with some great players in those years. Some who I still play with today. Most of all I learned to play a lot of styles of music. And how to play in the recording studio as well. But I always came back to the blues. I had a long running association with Barry Levenson, I toured with him and played on several records with him in the early 90’s.

In 1998 I was asked to back up singer Janiva Magness at the PEER festival in Belgium. I was playing it with Barry Levenson… and never one to turn down a gig, jumped into the drum chair in her band for that festival.  Well we hit it off… I joined her band. And spent the next seven years touring and playing on 2 of her records too! I also was fortunate to work with Doug Macleod during this time. And I’m still proud to work with him to this day. I’ve done 3 records with him. And I really owe them both huge thanks. It led to the chance to play on some other great recordings as a studio drummer.

I was asked to join Rod Piazza in the fall of 2005. I had always loved the band. I knew of the rich history of incredible musicians in his band. And I feel honored to be a part of the band. I played on the latest record "Thrillville" and look forward to making more records with them in the future. The Band has given me the chance to play in some amazing locations… All over Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and the constant touring of the USA.

It was my dream to play music as a kid. I feel blessed to both tour, and record for a living now. I know not everyone gets to do something they love for a living. And I never forget how lucky I am. I owe a HUGE thanks to my family for all the help along the way. To my Amazing wife Celia for always keeping the faith in me. She’s my sweet angel. And I'd be a lost soul without her!!

And of course… to all the good people who come to see the shows. Without you I’d be playing in my parents basement still!! I love playing for you, and thank you for your kind words & encouragement. Thanks for stopping by…  SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!!

David Kida