David’s first band was The Shameful Minority, (playing the Gardens’ Band-o-Ramas with the Erbs and The Fugitives). After moving to Toronto in 1968 he wound up in Toronto’s hottest club act “Whisky Howl” playing all that city’s major Jazz & Blues clubs and touring Canada . In 1973 friend Paul Shaffer asked him to join his legendary Godspell band where he remained until the show completed its long run.

The eighties were spent in Thunder Bay where he played club and theatre dates, returning to Toronto in 1993 where he became Musical Director of the hit musical “Dream a Little Dream” starring Denny Doherty (of The Mamas & Papas ). He was co-nominated along with Doherty for a Dora Mavor Moore award for Best Musical Direction for their Toronto production in 2001. He toured much of Canada and the U.S. including off Broadway with this show until Mr. Doherty’s death in 2007. 

David has performed behind five members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ( Doherty, John Phillips, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley and Gene Pitney ) and has co-written the musical “Cheatin’ Hearts” which has been produced in Canada, the U.S. and Finland. He was also the original Musical Director of “Fire” which played successfully across Canada.

Dave has been a regular contributor at Magnus Theatre, performed at the Thunder Bay Blues Festival and is no stranger to recording studios.

He is also well-recognized for his charitable work performing with Paul Shaffer for major musical fundraisers for the Catscan, the Cancer Foundation, the Regional Hospital, Lakehead University and Magnus Theatre among others.

David Smyth continues to perform regularly at Beaux Daddy’s Grillhouse on Highway 61.