Meet David Goldflies, of The Band 30A Amigos

The 30A Amigos are

Lead vocals and lead guitar: Max McCann

Bass: David Goldflies

Drums: Ted Cobena

Drums: Roy Lovell

David, The 30A Amigos have a variety of musical backgrounds, can you tell us a bit about where you come from?

Musical life started at age 4 learning violin from my grandfather, an accomplished performer and music director. I began to play bass in my father’s group around age 14. At 18 I got a gig with the band that later became Ram Jam, led by bandleader Bill Bartlett (of The Lemonpipers “Green Tambourine” fame). We recorded the hit single “Black Betty.”  Playing bass on Black Betty was one of the first times I had ever been in a recording studio. Bill was the first real “guitarist” I had worked with. My experience with Bill gave me the knowledge and techniques (chops) that enabled me to audition for and land the gig with Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts’ band, Great Southern.

After a few years of touring with Great Southern, the Allman Brothers reunited after a concert in Central Park (NYC). Working with Dickey gave me the edge in understanding the approach to their music and I passed the audition for the ABB.

It turns out that the point of all of this was to learn how to support guitarists, especially blues and roots oriented players (like Max) on the bass. Currently, I play with a number of groups and organizations from nightclubs to performance halls. Most recently is a collaboration with renown composer/conductor David Ott, the new maestro for the Panama City POPS.

How long have you been playing in SoWal?

I’ve been gigin’ ’round these parts for the better part of 23 years.  

What brought you three together?

I met Max while teaching bass and digital audio production at Ray Cyr’s Studio 237 School of Music. He asked me to do a gig and that started what has been about a 3 year association with Max. I met Ted (and drummer Roy) through Max.  

Where can one hear you perform?

The next 30a gig will be Feb. 24 at Redd’s with the Allman/Goldflies band featuring Gary Allman, a bluesman with a great voice, killer slide work and original music. Gary is a first cousin of Gregg Allman and shares that southern bluesy approach to music.

I know that all of you are still pursuing musical goals- can you tell us a little about  your projects?

Most of my time is spent preparing for performances with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (Niceville), the Panama City POPS orchestra, David Ott’s Christ the King Episcopal Church Orchestra as well as once a month performances with the Downbeat Jazz Orchestra. I’m also working on an project with Gary Allman, (a cousin of Gregg Allman’s), some very authentic and roots oriented southern music.

Additionally, we have just signed a publishing agreement with Hal Leonard publishing to release my course on Ableton Live and digital music production in book form.  I also continue to write and record my own music.

What’s on the horizon for you?

Lots of good gigs including a pit orchestra gig at Gulf Coast State College’s yearly musical production of Cabaret. Finishing up the seasons with the 2 orchestras I work with and hope that my Ableton Live course is released and begins to be adopted in the nation’s school systems.

Any advice for aspiring young local musicians?

I can think of 4 things…

• The old saying, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice,” is still as true as ever.

• And ALWAYS play your best. There are no gigs that “don’t count.” Play at 110% of your ability, which if you are practicing, is always increasing.

• My Ableton teacher at Berkley told me that “Good musicians seek out great musicians.” Surround yourself with the best talent you can and LEARN from them.

• Finally, listen to all of the musicians when you are playing. You would be surprised of the number of players that don’t listen when they play. Developing listening skills during performance leads to the most expressive, emotive performances. Develop your ear.

Additional thoughts for SoWal?  

SoWal has a great appreciation for the arts and music specifically. The richness of musical diversity, along with the depth of support for artists really sets SoWal apart from many areas in the country. I always look forward to my gigs along 30A and with the 30a Amigos.