David Malmberg
Bio
Born into a family of professional musicians, David Malmberg began playing the accordion at age six under the guidance of his father, renowned accordionist Larry Malmberg. As a young musician, he earned numerous awards in accordion competitions across the United States.
Inspired by the American folk revival of the 1960s, David took up the guitar, studying the music of artists including The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, and Gordon Lightfoot. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Spain to study classical guitar with America Martínez, Professor of Guitar at the Conservatory of Music Superior in Seville.
Returning to the United States, David built a successful broadcasting career, managing two major-market radio stations in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. He was recognized by Inside Radio as one of America’s Top Ten Program Directors.
After twenty years in broadcasting, David devoted himself full-time to live performance as a musician and professional entertainer. Throughout his career, he has performed before audiences totaling well over one million people.
David has released sixteen albums spanning classical, folk, and contemporary music. His recordings are streamed worldwide, and his classical guitar performances are regularly featured on classical radio stations. His two-volume recording of the music of Spanish composer Daniel Fortea was the first such release in the United States.
He holds a degree from Brown Institute of Broadcasting, a Master’s degree in Music, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy.
David’s signature program, American Journey: The People, Their Songs and Stories, blends outstanding musicianship with engaging storytelling, creating an entertaining and memorable experience for audiences of all age
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American Journey
The people, their songs and stories
Written and performed by
David Malmberg
Guitarist/Vocalist/Humorist
American Journey is a potpourri of our musical roots as a people. Past and present, it is American culture through music and story that we the people have talked about, laughed about, cried about, and sung about for 250 years. There are moments of poignancy, intellectual curiosity and outright laughter all woven together in a virtuosic and entertaining tapestry of guitar and vocal music.
David Malmberg is the creator of American Journey. He calls himself a folksinger, but his training as a classical guitarist with America Martinez in Sevilla, Spain really puts him in another league. Called a treasure by Hugh Downs, former anchor of ABC’s 20/20, Mr. Malmberg’s exquisite style of playing and singing lends a unique artistry to his concerts.
With a vast repertoire at his disposal, (David has recorded 15 albums) the music integrates many styles including classical, jazz and other contemporary musical idioms. American Journey features songs about young love (Shenandoah) early America hymns (Simple gifts) circuit riders, (Reverend Mr. Black) the Civil War, Follow the Drinking Gourd) riverboat travel (Mark Twain) plus, contemporary offerings of historical interest from the 20th century and beyond. In addition, David also breathes new life into well-known melodies by offering classical guitar arrangements of many standards from the folk repertoire bringing his vast musical experience to bear making the program rich and intricate.
Says David: “It is funny how life comes full circle. I cut my teeth on Americana but through the years have devoted myself to many other forms of composition. Now, here I am, back where I started from, once again drawing from the intensely rich musical heritage that is ours to share as Americans.”
With a master’s degree in music, he also provides a scholarly touch to American Journey without becoming overly academic. In his words, “All these songs have wonderful stories connected to them. Stories that breathe new life into songs that are sometimes hundreds of years old.”
David is accompanied by bassist Tom Pieper and guitarist Eric Fairchild. David takes great pride in the abilities of the band and considers them an integral part of the live sound.
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"My musical journey has been anything but ordinary. It all started at the age of six when I picked up the accordion, immersed in the worlds of classical and jazz music thanks to my father, accordionist Larry Malmberg."
"At ten years old, everything changed when I heard Jimmie Rodgers perform 'Kisses Sweeter than Wine.' The power of lyrics combined with music struck me like lightning. I thought to myself, 'I need to learn how to do that.' So I borrowed a four-string guitar from a friend, armed with a few chords scribbled on a piece of paper, and taught myself my first folk song, Merle Travis's 'Dark as a Dungeon.' I performed it for my 8th grade choir class and earned an 'A' from my teacher, Mrs. Westby. From that small but meaningful beginning, I pursued every opportunity to sing and play. Music took me many places, eventually leading me to Spain where I studied classical guitar, an experience that would prove to be one of the most defining chapters of my life."
"Over the years, I have worked to document my musical adventures. Today, ten albums exist ranging from folk to gospel, pop to classical, representing over one hundred original compositions. It is remarkable how much can accumulate over a lifetime."
"Yet through it all, I have never forgotten that moment I first heard Jimmie Rodgers. It sparked a lifelong education in American folk music. I have always been fascinated by the human need to sing, and more importantly, to sing about something. That curiosity led me to discover artists like the Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary, The Chad Mitchell Trio, Ian and Sylvia, and then deeper into the roots of the music through Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie, Leadbelly, Blind Willie Johnson, and Bob Dylan, among others. What struck me most was the realization that this music is a living history, rich with stories that reflect the defining moments of this great nation. As I said, we have always sung about something."
"Today's concert celebrates that tradition, offering a sampling of our shared musical heritage. While we cannot cover everything, we hope to share a few timeless gems that remind us of who we are and where we come from."
"My deepest gratitude goes to the songwriters who have contributed to American Journey, including John Stewart, Bob Dylan, Willie Johnson, Paul Simon, Ian Tyson, Billy Ed Wheeler, Gordon Lightfoot, and the countless anonymous voices whose music has been passed down through generations."
"It is my sincere hope that you enjoy these songs as much as I have enjoyed discovering and assembling them. The selections will be announced from the stage."
From David Malmberg
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Quotes about
David Malmberg
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Promo video
Audio samples
Images
American Journey Tech Rider
American Journey Press Release
American Journey Poster