Big Kids Up Front

Dave Taylor writes and performs music for the elementary set, but his songs can be enjoyed by all ages. His goal is to create "edgy kids' music" - a style that's upbeat and positive, but also a tad weird and musically adventurous. Dave is influenced by Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, old time country, post-bop jazz, 60s pop and surf music, and 80s arena rock. He loves to sing about food (both healthy and unhealthy), annoying aliens, public transportation, hand-me-downs, and dinosaurs that do physical comedy. Dave grew up in Silver Spring, MD, outside of Washington, DC. Early on, he caught performance fever and put on many musical and theatrical shows for the family with his older brother, Rick. While attending Montrose Christian in Rockville, MD, the brothers started a comedic "sewer metal" band called Numbskull, in which Dave dabbled on bass. As an upperclassman, Dave helped form Professor Funk and the Disco Kids, which played many parties, church events, and school talent shows. In college, Dave embarked on his solo musical comedy career and eventually, after getting encouragement from nieces and nephews, decided it was time to throw his hat in the kids' music arena. "Big Kids Up Front," marks his debut. It was recorded in Tempe, AZ, with good friend and collaborator, Chad Sundin, of the acoustic folk group, The Via Maris. Over a week during the summer of 2007, Dave and Chad recorded night and day in an Episcopal Church, with many friends stopping in to say hello or to lay down a track. They had a great time making the record. And Dave hopes you and your kids have a great time listening to it.