Dave Deeks: About Dave

photo by Matt Cope, Ebenezer Arts

Now almost retired from his 'alter ego' as an academic author and professor at Sunderland University, Dave continues to write songs and perform. His music meets with critical acclaim, being played on radio stations all over the world. As well as making his own music, Dave writes reviews for Geoff Howlett's 'Never for Nothing' magazine. Wife Lynda works at Traidcraft, an organisation that promotes fair trade with the developing world. Son Mark is a musician and producer, and head of music programmes at New College, Durham. He has produced Dave's music since 1999. Dave and Lynda attend Dunston Family Church - a group of like-minded Christians very supportive of Dave's ministry, led by pastor Eddie Nichols. As songs continue to arrive, Dave shares them with the congregation.

Dave became involved in music in a fairly unusual way. "It was 1982. I had reached my mid-thirties. I suddenly felt that I was being led towards becoming active in Christian music. Over a period of days, quite 'out of the blue' as it were, I 'received' several songs and wrote down the words. Being unable to write music but able to play the piano by ear (in only one key - D flat!), I recorded the tunes. As I had no singing voice(!) I had little idea what to do with the songs - but following the prayers and encouragement of family and friends my voice seemed to develop over a period of months until everyone reckoned I should give it a go, and gave my first public performance at our local church". This first step was followed by an increasing number of school and youth club events, church meetings, concerts etc - on Tyneside and elsewhere.

In September 1985 Dave came into contact with music arranger/producer Bob Cranham. Bob and his wife Pennie felt that Dave should make an album. The exact amount needed was provided, and the album 'Let go, let God' was recorded.

Dave and Lynda then began L.J. ('Lord Jesus') Music Ministries for the handling of the finances involved in distribution of the album, publicity etc. - and by January 1986 had seen God's leading in the formation of 'The Dave Deeks Band'. This ten-piece rock band was used by God throughout that year - many more offers of bookings being received than could be met. Meanwhile, the album was well received by the Christian press as well as being featured by Radio Newcastle.

Towards the end of 1986 the time came for the band to separate. Dave and Lynda felt there was a need for a change of emphasis for the ministry, and began to concentrate on performing/speaking to smaller gatherings, often existing church attendees, utilising backing tracks and keyboard.

Friends were keen to lend support - including a small group called 'What Next' who provided backing vocals and sometimes comedy/drama sketches. The team covered everything from ten minute 'spots', to full-length concerts - including, in March 1989, a church weekend for young people. This happened to be Dave's last appearance for some time - as the following month he was struck down by a rare condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Within a week of its onset, he was almost completely paralysed. After the fervent prayers of family and friends the reversal of the illness was followed by a rate and extent of recovery which far exceeded medical expectations - to the point where Dave was left with only minor evidence of his paralysis.

During his stay in hospital, Dave felt inspired to write a song that described his experience of reaching rock bottom and then being wonderfully healed. It quickly became evident that it spoke to people in a powerful way, and Dave and Lynda felt led to make it the title track of another album - 'Solid ground', again produced by Bob Cranham. Excellent press reviews followed, together with regular radio play on Christian local radio programmes and several radio interviews. Songs from it were also featured on a 'tape tract' produced for armed forces personnel serving in the Gulf War. By the time that 'Solid ground' was released, Dave had received almost 300 songs. Dave's healing testimony was featured in the local and Christian press and also in the Guillaine Barre Syndrome Support Group newsletter. For a period, Dave used the songs in a ministry at Frankland high-security prison.

'Walk with the One' first saw the light of day in September 1999 and was a first showcase for son Mark's musical talents as musician, arranger and producer. Mark selected the songs from a list of those that had become performance favourites. As in Dave's previous albums, the songs are lyrically direct and melodically based - but in a more guitar-based, 'live' setting.

'Questions at Christmas' arrived in December 2005 - containing three songs that ask searching questions about the Christian's approach to Christmas, plus instrumental versions.

The thirteen track album 'Bridge' was released in December 2008. More than a year in the making, this has a cleanly produced 'studio' sound. As ever, strong melodies and lyrics both feature. Dave writes on the sleeve notes "my hope is that this album conveys the experiences of an imperfect life lived in the knowledge of the Perfect Foundation - the Bridge over all that may come our way".