The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
American musician left singing the blues in Strathdon
Blues singer Dave Manning was hoping to tour Scotland, before lockdown left him stranded in Strathdon. He told Ellie House why he’s found inspiration atop a mountain
There’s the faint murmur of bird song and a slight crackle down the line, as Dave Manning picks up the call.
“I’m walking in the woods,” he says, and his voice gleams with enthusiasm.
As well it might, for there are worse places to spend lockdown than at Ben Newe in Aberdeenshire.
The summit offers stunning views across Strathdon, and Dave has enjoyed complete seclusion.
A local perhaps, who has committed the route to memory? Or a misplaced musician, who is a long way from home.
Dave grew up just outside Chicago, and his accent gives away his US roots.
“Holy cow, has it been a journey or what,” he says, before explaining why he can now be found playing frisbee golf in Scotland.
It’s not a straight-forward story, but Dave has never taken the traditional route.
You may have heard him play in Aberdeen or Inverness, his fingers moulded to the piano keys as he croons the blues.
Dave started touring in 2006, and wound up in the north-east after meeting his Aberdonian wife at Burning Man, held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
Although the pair separated, Dave still holds Scotland in great affection.
Indeed, it was a return trip north just prior to lockdown that has seen Dave – for want of a better word – stuck on the slopes of Ben Newe.
Unable to tour, he has still made the most of the situation.
“I’ve been in the UK for close to 10 years, touring in the summer time,” he says.
“I can pinpoint my love of music to band in high school. I played the clarinet.
“There was this teacher, and he was one of the few who ever admitted vulnerability. He spoke to us honestly.
“I started to realise the magic things that can happen when you put work into making good music.”
Dave went on to study TV production at university, where he also got the opportunity to play the piano.
SOME OF THE SONGS ARE INSPIRED BY MY TIME HERE, WHEN I’VE BEEN OUT WALKING IN THE MOONLIGHT
To find out more, visit davemanning.net