Meet Dave Cashin | Keyboardist/composer/piano instructor. (online and in person)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dave Cashin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dave, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Dave Cashin Keyboardist/composer/instructor. Grew up in Dunellen, NJ. A mile square suburb in Central New Jersey.
I was bitten by the music bug when I was 7 years old. My oldest sister, Pat, played and sang with passion on our Hardman baby grand songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein, West Side Story, Sound of Music with a glorious alto voice. I watched and listened intently, and when she was done, I would discover chords and melodies on my own. Self-taught but she was my inspiration, and mom and dad were my support.
In 5th grade I met another “creative” named Rob Burger. We later started a band called “The Carpetbaggers” and played grammar school events playing everything from Hendrix to Jefferson Airplane and an original I wrote called “Wild Duck”.. My life in music was sealed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The desire to create and emotionally touch and connect with others is my reason for existence. I have composed well over 500 songs. Only a few got radio airplay, there is a deep desire to create something new, as this gives me purpose.
I am proud to have played in a band that was hot in the late ’90’s called “The Fat James Band”. This is where the radio play
comes in. We toured US, Canada, Europe for 10 years and ruled Seattle for a minute. We were the back-up band for Paul Rogers here in Seattle for a few shows. Also won numerous awards. Easy? No, but rewarding, YES! 4 of the best musicians in Seattle in 1998.

Collaboration is key for me. To bounce ideas with a mentor or co-writer is essential.

I would suggest to anyone who is pursuing a creative gig is to find the top persons in your field and seek them out for “lessons”. The internet is powerful here, but don’t make the mistake of not researching and knowing already what you need to woodshed beforehand. Be prepared. Know your shit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Jazz Alley is my favorite music venue in Seattle. It has excellent sound and you’re never too far from the stage. I teach piano and because there is no age limit, it’s the perfect place to take them to experience live music at it’s best.

The mountains, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands are magnificent. Take a ferry to Friday Harbor!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father Arthur “Bud” Cashin. He supported every music lesson, musical instrument, Dick Grove Music School in LA, Berklee in Boston in my formative years. I must include my mom and lovely sisters, Pat, Jeanne and Barbara.

Website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2AReHKhL8

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW2AReHKhL8

Other: dcash@isomedia.com