Précis Of Career History

DM circa 1967Dave Mattacks [“ DM” ] professional career started in the UK with big bands before joining the influential folk-rock group “Fairport Convention”, freelancing extensively throughout his tenure with the band. In 2000, Dave left the UK & moved to Boston, MA where he continues to enjoy a full career in Music spanning live & studio work, both as a Musician & Producer.
DM circa 1971 
DM’s discography includes 5 CD’s with Paul McCartney & various CD’s / tours with – among many others – Elton John, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Everything But The Girl, Sandy Denny, Chris Rea, XTC, Jethro Tull, Joan Armatrading, Brian Eno, Nick Drake, [“Procul Harum’s”] Gary Brooker, Peter Green, John Gorka, John Martyn, The Proclaimers, Cat Stevens & Loudon Wainwright.
 
DM’s early career began as an Apprentice Piano Tuner; he then worked @ London’s “ Drum City “ shop under Johnnie Richardson. His first professional engagement was with a “Mecca” provincial Big Band which spanned a three year period ; it included residencies in Belfast, Glasgow & London. During this time he played with a variety of Jazz groups throughout the UK which provided the foundation for his continuing affection for the art form.
 
It was in the Autumn of ’69 he joined “ Fairport Convention “ – recording seven LP’s with the group [ including “ Leige & Leif “ ] & extensively touring the UK, US, Europe, Antipodes & Japan. He left “ Fairport “ in ’74 to concentrate on his freelance career [ See “ Recording Credits “ / “ Film Work “ / “ Tours “ etc ] but re-joined in ’85.
 
Dave Mattacks Royal Academy of Music
Steve Smith, Charlie Watts & DM after Steve's gig @ Harvard Square's "Regatta Bar"
Pic' courtesy of Jim McGathey/John DeChristopher of Zildjian

DM successfully combined “ Fairport’s “ schedule with his freelance commitment for 13 years; however he finally left the band in March of ’98 & moved to the US two years later. A few of his credits since then include recording &/or concert dates with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Richard Thompson, Juliana Hatfield, John Jennings, Teddy Thompson, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, Steeleye Span, Susan Tedeschi & Rosanne Cash.
These recently un-earthed pics' [circa '71] show DM & friends at a Sussex party inventing the term "Jam Band".