They say

What they say ...
Photo by Beth Girdler	About Dave "Dave Clarke is one of Canada’s most accomplished and tasteful acoustic guitarists." - Mike Regenstreif, Montreal Gazette "Clarke’s lead guitar is a joyful marriage of bluegrass flatpicking and the big generous notes of folk music." - Patrick Langston, Ottawa Citizen "Lead guitarist Dave Clarke sweeps you along with both style and substance." - No Depression "Clarke has a fine voice that shares some qualities with Bruce Cockburn's." - Robert Reid, Kitchener-Waterloo Record
w w w w w w *About the Reunion* CD** "Reunion is like meeting an old friend who has new and wonderful stories to tell. It's a beautiful, intimate setting for voice and guitar. I love the album. I have so many wonderful personal memories on hearing the songs, remember hearing them for the first time, moved to tears by the beauty of a melody, a line of lyric...." - Singer-songwriter David Francey "Acknowledged as a fine, finger-style, acoustic guitarist, Dave Clarke demonstrates his skills as a songwriter and low-key vocalist on his sophomore release Reunion ... Reunion is as inviting as a warm, gentle breeze among the golden leaves of autumn." - Robert Reid, Kitchener-Waterloo Record "Although the musicianship is as spectacular as expected, the vocal partnerships and songwriting are as strong as any I've heard this year." - Chopper McKinnon, CKCU, Ottawa "Stellar musicianship we expect; Clarke is one of the best guitarists this country has coughed up, ever. It's the songs that astonish; songs of love and loss and yearning, like a letter home." - John Griffin, Montreal Gazette w w w w w w *About the Guitar Songs* CD (see Guitar Songs Reviews for complete reviews)** "As a member of various bands, currently Steel Rail, and as accompanist to singers like David Francey, Dave Clarke has earned a well-developed reputation as one of Canada's best acoustic guitarists. That reputation will surely be reinforced with this superbly recorded collection of solo guitar compositions." - Sing Out! magazine, February 2003 "With Guitar Songs, Clarke finally claims the spotlight that is rightly his. Understated and warm, as befits Clarke's personality, the twelve tracks are rooted in sweet, original melodies and sparkle with lovely flourishes." Patrick Langston, Ottawa Citizen, January 11, 2003 "An exquisitely executed collection of original solo instrumentals from a Montreal master of the acoustic guitar." - Mike Regenstreif, Montreal Gazette, December 2002 w w w w w w About Dave's work with David Francey "Dave Clarke is the much-praised guitarist with Montreal's bluegrass sensations Steel Rail ... His versatile and sensitive guitar arrangements provide the musical bedrock upon which Francey's strong original material and powerful vocals rest." - Acoustic Waves, 2003 (GCTC - Ottawa) "And what can I say about David Francey and Dave Clarke. They have us captivated with the first song, and hold our attention throughout the evening. Heartfelt lyrics, poignant storytelling and awe-inspiring guitar playing move us to laughter and tears." - Liz Scott (Irish Mountain Music Series) "Beautifully led by Dave Clarke on guitar, the sparse production — a little mandolin here, an accordion there, another guitar in the middle, does everything production is supposed to do. It lets great songs shine." - Les Siemieniuk (Review of David Francey's Skating Rink in Penguin Eggs - Winter, 2003) "[A]cclaimed guitarist Dave Clarke [has] been playing guitar and songwriting with Steel Rail and producing and playing guitar with singer-songwriter David Francey. GuitarSongs, Dave's exquisite album of solo guitar compositions was released in October." - Mike Regenstreif - CKUT Folk Roots, Folk Branches "David Francey worked magic in our listening room tonight ... Dave Clarke's guitar and vocal harmonies were the perfect complement. One of the best shows in our 32 year history!" - Dave Humphreys, Two Way Street Coffee House, Chicago " ... superb guitar accompanist Dave Clarke" - Rich Warren - Midnight Special " ... Dave Clarke is the guitar wizard, and accompanies Francey with beautiful arrangements and wonderful playing that allows Francey’s songs to truly take flight." - Jon Tullis, Producer of The Timberline Acoustic Music Series