Bio
"Marine” An odd, yet apt synthesis of Dave Dersham's work, according to anti-folk artist; improv-slam poet, James O’Brien (NYC). Cautionary tales of submerging archipelagos, the unfolding eco-dystopia, Samoan pigskin heroes, the occasional whimsy of demolition work among the Pioneer Valley lowlands, where Dave spent his formative years, meandered, and eventually returned; the familiar landscape a sound landing pad, despite perpetually poor snowpack, increasing humidity, tempered with trail networks, expansive bike paths.
Dave completed his first CD, “The Burn of Summer” (2003) in Somerville, MA, with engineers Jabe Beyer, Tim Kelly, and Tom Eaton. They, and a crew of remarkable talent, synthesized the groove, bringing an abundance of airtime on Folk Radio’s WUMB (UMASS/Boston), WERS (Emerson College), and a finalist selection for Mountain Stage's “Emerging Artist” competition.
“Gilding the Lilies” came out in 2011, recorded and accompanied by Lloyd Thayer and Jared Fiske. 10 tunes colored this sophomore collection with lap steel, electric guitar, percussion, and keyboard. The work was distributed internationally.
Dersham is a sly humorist, cultural critic, a melancholy optimist; a blend of uncanny rhythm, muted chords of semi-triangular shapes, wielding space for the open-hearted.
A third album of some sort – perhaps an EP – will arrive at the midpoint of 2023, despite the insinuations of COVID-19 and its endless iterations.