Although Dave continues to amass numerous and varied accomplishments: he is most associated with the now legendary, and hugely influential British folk-rock group ‘Fairport Convention’. Mattacks joined up with them in 1969, touring, and recording seven albums. His style remains unmistakable as he forges ahead on a six decades career. The Fairport album ‘Liege & Lief’ is as fresh today as it was in 1969 - It is now considered a classic. After leaving the group in 1974, Dave has never looked back. He began focusing on dual roles as a musician and producer in the studio, and on a number of film and television scores. He also recorded or toured with George Harrison, Elton John, Jimmy Page, Jethro Tull, Brian Eno, Cat Stevens, Loudon Wainwright III, Steeleye Span, Roseanne Cash and Chris Rea, amongst many other notables.
Since settling in the United States, Dave has had a full schedule of playing, teaching, recording, and producing. He has given master-classes and clinics at London’s Royal Academy of Music, and Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has also been ‘house drummer’ at the Marblehead Arts Festival for the last seven years. In 2011 he had the distinct honor of performing with the Portland Symphony Orchestra.
Presently, Dave continues to enjoy working with the band, KBMG, around New England. He recently finished another recording with Washington, D.C. based singer and songwriter, Mary Ann Redmond, and a CD with Josh English. Dave has done twenty tours with the band, Feast of Fiddles. The band will be doing its twenty first tour of the UK this April. He continues to freelance extensively around New England.
Mattacks says:
“It’s always a great time with all of these wonderful friends of mine.”
Dave has attained such a respected reputation, that it borders on the mythical. His level of intensity behind the drums never ceases to amaze audiences everywhere. He has an incredible amount of achievements that most musicians can only dream of. Yet, with so many abundant accolades received over the years, Mr. Mattacks remains a soft-spoken and humble gentleman. Through his influence, encouragement, and passion for the instrument, Dave Mattacks continues to inspire drummers of all ages by always totally immersing himself into the music.
When asked who are some of his favorite drummers; who do you listen to for inspiration? He responded:
“It’s a very long list which obviously includes Buddy Rich, Tony Williams, and Steve Gadd. But for starters – Kenny Clare, Ringo Starr, Shelly Manne, Joe Labarbera, Paul Motian, Bill Stewart, Jake Hanna, Charlie Watts, Steve Jordan, Paul Clarvis, Tony Oxley, Roy Haynes, Jim Keltner, Mel Lewis, Levon Helm, Papa Jo Jones, Peter Erskine, Earl Palmer, Jack Bruno, and so many more."
