David Mayfield, known for his high-energy performances, is no stranger to Asheville. He headlined RiverLink’s RiverMusic series over the summer, and now he returns to The Grey Eagle on Saturday, Nov. 9. 9 p.m., $12/$15.
Mayfield’s latest album is “Good Man Down,” which features Seth Avett, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and country star Dierks Bentley, “who duets with Mayfield on Marty Stuart’s ‘Tempted,'” according to a press release.
More from a press release:
David Mayfield grew up playing bass and touring with his family’s bluegrass band. As a teenager he established himself as a hot picker collecting national awards for his dexterity on guitar and mandolin. His knack for colorful performances was evident as a backing player in his sister Jessica Lea Mayfield’s band including their appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He oozed personality on stage – a trait that makes him a natural front man. Mayfield brought his skills and personality when he joined the bluegrass outfit Cadillac Sky, playing sold out shows with British folk revivalists Mumford and Sons. Around then Mayfield began writing songs after hearing artists like Randy Newman and Simon & Garfunkel. Encouraged by his sister Jessica, Mumford & Sons, and other friends in music to record his original material, Mayfield released “The Parade” to much acclaim. Since that time, David Mayfield has toured almost non-stop including many appearances with Americana sweethearts The Avett Brothers, both as an opening act and sitting in with the Brothers.
“Was It Only Me” was one of those early songs he shared with friends backstage. On “Good Man Down” it’s evolved into a grand, epic track. It’s a quiet, emotional and poetic song that crests into a wild psychedelic conclusion. While the showman in Mayfield is conscious of writing live crowd pleasers, “Was It Only Me” is one he wrote for himself. Yet it’s one that will undoubtedly connect with his audience.
Conscious of not just being a musician, but an entertainer – something his father instilled in him in the family band – he certainly makes an impression live. But it’s the strength of his songwriting and musicianship, combined with that charm and personality that keep audiences coming back again and again.
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