David Johnson
David (Dave) Johnson, based in the Southern Highlands of NSW, has a keen interest in Australian Folk Music. He has collected, transcribed and arranged, & recorded some of the Australian tunes in this archive. Johnson plays fiddle, concertinas and guitar.
The National Library of Australia holds aural recordings of interviews conducted with Dave Johnson. He was interviewed by
- Rob Willis in June 2004, [1], Folkloric recording: Dave Johnson, born 1951 in Bowral, NSW, talks about his early school and university days; the music he played; his involvement with the Sydney Bush Club as both a performer and administrator; involving the club in various projects during the 1970's and 80's, leading to the Club's healthy financial position; his relationships with several of the early members of the Bush Music Club.
- Sydney Bush Music Club in 1984, [2], "Bush dance. music" : a collection of traditional tunes arranged in sets for bush bands / compiled & arranged by David Johnson. Sydney : The Bush Music Club, c.1987 + 1 Dance instructions book. ISBN: 0959952853 (music); 0959952829 (dance instructions book)
His classic publication, "Bush Dance" (1984 ) ISBN 0 9599528 1 0 [3] is a collection of traditional tunes, most of them collected in Australia, arranged in dance sets. This publication set new standards for the use of material collected in Australian. This book was produced as a companion volume to "Bush Dance Instructions", compiled by Lance Green [4], (1986), ISBN 0 9599528 2 9 . Bush Dance was the first of a number of compilations and publications by Johnson.
David Johnson is a prominent figure in the Australian bush band scene, actively participating in various ensembles. He serves as the driving force behind Paddys River Bush Band, and a dedicated presenter of workshops and concerts. His comprehensive approach to sharing his passion for our musical heritage encompasses organising events that collectively contribute to this endeavour. Notably, Johnson was a founding member of Bush Traditions, a reputable organisation. For further insights into his work, please visit his website at [5].
