Trebor had recorded an album entitled King of Folk Ragtime. When it was issued, Trebor was. But anyone in the future who plans on applying for that title will have to be measured against this man, DTR. I don't know who out there has a "Pinelands Memoir" in their pocket, or another "Kreole," "Rock Island," & "Roberto Clemente" but you better bring some help. Like many composers, David has moved into many areas and composed syncopated pieces outside of Ragtime. He is currently involved with Frank French and Scott Kirby in exploring latin syncopations as a musical form that David calls Terra Verde. From time to time, as the mood strikes him and when he's ready, David returns to Ragtime ... although a standard rag with three or four themes seldom results.
But this was 1982 and Morten Larsen was in town (sitting about two feet to David's left). And the Saturday afternoon player's party hosted by Trebor at his home was packed as usual and everybody gave it their best shot, but Tom Shea's loss was still heavy on us. At the end of the party, too many of us knew an era had passed. Tom's "Prairie Ragtime" was no more, the day of "Mississippi Ragtime" was at hand. True genius comes with a dark side and David has his. Whether or not the man or the monster will win that battle is still unknown. And his music reflects the two sides and the conflicts between them. But when David composes in a positive mood and atmosphere, few and a very few, could do better.
St. Louis, Mo. : ©June 18, 1982 by George C. Willick