David Silliman

Drummer and percussionist, David Silliman's middle name should be versatility. Whether accompanying song stylists such as Mariah Carey, Cassandra Wilson, and Blossom Dearie or playing with Colombian Harpist Edmar Castaneda, David’s exciting rhythmic energies add color and mood to any musical performance. He’s also comfortable playing in the pit of a Broadway show or with the New Jersey Symphony.

David has over 20 years of experience. His performances have taken him to concerts and festivals in Italy, Vienna, Berlin, the North Sea, Monterey, Uruguay and Lithuania.

David was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he was exposed to a wide variety of music. David’s first studies were in the Classical field, studying snare drum, xylophone and timpani. Later studies exposed him to Jazz, Latin Jazz, Brazilian and Funk music. Hearing music with a drummer and a percussionist made a strong impression on his playing. Trying to recreate that sound and “feel” with just one person has become a lifetime passion. David’s current setup when needed includes a standard American drum set augmented with a South American Cajon. Drums from the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean along various other percussion, some his own creations, surround him.

His performances on percussion and drums at the Umbria Jazz Festival, in Orvieto & Perugia, Italy with Columbian Harpist, Edmar Castaneda garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. David’s unique setup allowed him to move seamlessly from the cajon, to drum set and all percussive “toys” in between, creating the rhythmic sound and energy of two or three percussionists.

Years of playing with Blossom Dearie’s trio, showed another side of David’s musical talents. Dearie’s soft and understated musical styling is matched perfectly with David’s softer, highly sensitive drumming.

Highlights of Silliman’s past work include concert tours with Al DiMeola, Cassandra Wilson, and Leslie Uggams. He also has performed with Aretha Franklin in New York, and is featured on the VH1 Divas 2001 concert. © 2007 David Silliman

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