David Hamilton's Bio
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Johann Sebastian Bach once said, “Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.” This quote perfectly captures the deeper connection and significance of music in David Hamilton’s life.
David Hamilton is a highly skilled and versatile artist, excelling as a professional bassist, electric cellist, vocalist, composer, recording artist, and educator. His passion for music began at the tender age of five. When David was seven, his father gave him a large speaker and a power amp, making him the envy of his friends with the best and loudest stereo. His musical journey took a significant turn when, at eleven, his elementary school orchestra teacher announced a music class offering lessons in violin, viola, cello, and bass. Excited, David rushed home to tell his mom he wanted to learn the cello. He quickly excelled at the instrument, but his ambitions didn’t stop there. In middle and high school, he joined the orchestra and took guitar classes, and by his junior year, he had started playing the bass guitar. It was then that he realized his mom and orchestra teacher had been quietly planning his future in music since eighth grade. Determined to follow his passion, David pursued a degree in music education. During college, he expanded his musical repertoire by playing in a rock band and participating in the jazz band, experiences that enriched his diverse and accomplished musical career.
Over the course of 34 years, David has established himself as a prominent figure in the El Paso, TX music scene. His educational journey led to a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Texas in El Paso in 1996. With a quarter-century of experience, he has been a dedicated educator in public schools, currently holding the positions of Orchestra, Choir, and Band Director at the Da Vinci School of Science and the Arts. His influence extends further as the Music Coordinator of the Burnham Wood District and a State Advocate championing Charter Schools in Texas.
In addition to his educational roles, David is also an active Worship Leader at Western Hills Methodist Church, directing a full praise team. His commitment to his craft shines through his endeavors as a freelance musician and private instructor in El Paso, TX. His musical prowess spans various genres, including Classical, Disco, R&B, Blues, Rock, Country, Salsa, Latin, and Jazz, with involvement in multiple off-Broadway musical productions across theaters in the El Paso area.
David’s performance footprint extends across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, California, New York, and Boston. He has collaborated with talented singer-songwriters and diverse performing artists, transcending gender and musical styles. His creative output includes multiple completed compositions, notably a symphony he has copyrighted and plans to publish. Beyond this, he delves into commercial music production, having served as the Music Recording Producer for the Hollywood movie “Warfighter,” featured on Netflix and other streaming platforms.
Within the music scene, David’s influence is profound. He forms the rhythmic backbone of the disco tribute band “Fungi Mungle,” which started in 1996 and continues to thrive today, playing to audiences of 10,000 people or more and winning “Best of the Best” for 11 consecutive years, contributing to its solid funk and groove foundation. Additionally, he is a core member of the blues band “Sam Barlow Band,” signed by Montrose Records and recognized for their nominations in the State of New Mexico. Representing the Greater West Texas Blues Society in the band category at the 2024 International Blues Challenge, Sam Barlow & His True Blue Band placed as a semi-finalist before thousands of spectators.
David also played bass for the band Seventh Rize. Seventh Rize was formed in the fall of 1991 in the rural oil fields of West Texas. The band quickly took the club circuit by storm, averaging over 200 shows per year, headlining clubs and festivals, opening major concerts, and being featured on regional radio stations and publications. In 1995, the band began writing original music and constructed their own studio, Dean O’s Studio. In 1999, legendary drummer/producer Bobby Rock offered the band a production deal, leading to the recording of their debut album “Visceral Rock” in Los Angeles. The album was released in 2000 to praise from hard rock fans and critics alike. After a brief hiatus, Seventh Rize returned in 2006, re-releasing “Visceral Rock” in 2007 and performing with bands like Warrant, Firehouse, and White Lion. They also scored national endorsements with Sonor Drums, Aquarian Drumheads, Ahead Drumsticks, Sabian Cymbals, and Peavey Electronics. The band continued to write new material, releasing the album “Full Moon” in 2009 under Perris Records. Seventh Rize has performed with legendary acts such as Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Jackyl, Cinderella, Candlebox, Great White, and RATT. They are currently in pre-production for their third album.
David is also an Electric Rock cellist and performs solo shows. Recently, he started the Electric Dave Orchestra (EDO), which plays Disco, Rock, Pop, and Country. The Electric Dave Orchestra features vocals, saxophone, guitar, electric violin, drums, bass, and a DJ, offering a very new and unique experience.
David’s professional journey has intertwined with various renowned musicians, encompassing icons such as Bobby Rock, Bruce Turgon, David Archuleta, Drifters, Coasters, Platters, Marvelettes, KC and Sunshine Band, The Pointer Sisters, Tower of Power, Donna Summer, Eli Young, John Michael Montgomery, Jonny Lee, and Joe Nichols, and more. Notably, he performed at Carnegie Hall in 2017, reflecting his dedication to live performances across diverse venues, from grand concert halls to intimate clubs.
Throughout his career, David Hamilton remains unwaveringly dedicated to his art. His passion, hard work, loyalty to collaborators, and dedication to his musical pursuits underscore his status as a true artist.