2008 Woodie Awards
Giant on Campus
Jazz guitarist Dave Sullivan is a Fusion of opposites
James Shafstall
Issue date: 3/4/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The Dave Sullivan I talked with on the Lakeland College campus in September of 2003 seemed a million miles from the guitarist that I saw perform at a Milwaukee restaurant six months later. The first man was unassuming, mild-mannered, and so generous with his time and materials that one would think he was of no consequence or demand anywhere else in the world.
However, at the restaurant was revealed a man of authority and importance.
The jazz that flowed from his fingers was testimony of an inner fire, and it offered no apologies for the convictions it expressed. In short, Sullivan is a coherent fusion of opposites. Sitting in his basement studio in Sheboygan the day after that gig, Dave reflected on the path he started on in Hot Springs, Arkansas 64 years ago. He talked about the flavors of the natural spring water there with an interest that suggested some hometown pride. His father was in the Army, and before first grade, Sullivan moved to Raleigh, Missouri.
After World War II ended, his family took a ten-day trip on the USS Holbrook to their new home at an Army base in Germany. This began a pattern of moves that continued for more than three decades.
With two hollow-bodied jazz guitars standing like sentinels at his back while he cradled a classical guitar in his lap, Sullivan talked about his years of moving from one place to another, and how, at age 12 in the midst of it all, he got his first guitar. He was immediately and forever after carving his place in different bands; in defiance of his wandering lifestyle, he eventually established a permanent home sitting in with bands and absorbing the music and club environment that would be a domicile for the rest of his life.
Even sitting in the basement of his house fifty years later, we were surrounded by a musical collage of jazz magazines, shelves full of music books, an old stereo, a keyboard, and of course, guitars.
Dave followed his music career all over the United States. Through the years he played in an eclectic mix of venues, including the USS Enterprise, San Quentin State Prison and a Hollywood movie. Amongst the many acts he has played with are Herb Jeffries, Louis Jordan and the Timpani Five, Slim Gaillard and the Elvis Presley Show.
However, at the restaurant was revealed a man of authority and importance.
The jazz that flowed from his fingers was testimony of an inner fire, and it offered no apologies for the convictions it expressed. In short, Sullivan is a coherent fusion of opposites. Sitting in his basement studio in Sheboygan the day after that gig, Dave reflected on the path he started on in Hot Springs, Arkansas 64 years ago. He talked about the flavors of the natural spring water there with an interest that suggested some hometown pride. His father was in the Army, and before first grade, Sullivan moved to Raleigh, Missouri.
After World War II ended, his family took a ten-day trip on the USS Holbrook to their new home at an Army base in Germany. This began a pattern of moves that continued for more than three decades.
With two hollow-bodied jazz guitars standing like sentinels at his back while he cradled a classical guitar in his lap, Sullivan talked about his years of moving from one place to another, and how, at age 12 in the midst of it all, he got his first guitar. He was immediately and forever after carving his place in different bands; in defiance of his wandering lifestyle, he eventually established a permanent home sitting in with bands and absorbing the music and club environment that would be a domicile for the rest of his life.
Even sitting in the basement of his house fifty years later, we were surrounded by a musical collage of jazz magazines, shelves full of music books, an old stereo, a keyboard, and of course, guitars.
Dave followed his music career all over the United States. Through the years he played in an eclectic mix of venues, including the USS Enterprise, San Quentin State Prison and a Hollywood movie. Amongst the many acts he has played with are Herb Jeffries, Louis Jordan and the Timpani Five, Slim Gaillard and the Elvis Presley Show.