Musician, Composer, Conductor, Arranger
Dave (or David) is a British pianist, conductor, arranger and composer who has enjoyed a prolific career covering a broad spectrum of music.He grew up near Henley on Thames and graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
He is probably best known as the Musical Director and arranger for BBC Television’s Strictly Come Dancing, a role he took over in 2006. He has just completed his 17th series of the hit show and in 2014, he and the rest of the production team were recipients of a collective special BAFTA Craft award. Since 2011 he has also been the Musical Director for ITV for the last twelve Royal Variety Performances, including it’s hundredth anniversary at the Albert Hall. In May 2023 he was music consultant for King Charles’ Coronation at Westminster Abbey.
Dave has been active in the recording studio for his whole career. He released an album of his own music in 2016 called ‘Coming Home‘ which features approximately 80 of the UK’s finest musicians and in 2022 released an album on the Linn label called ‘True Colours‘ a collaboration with long time associate John Parricelli.
TRUE COLOURS - OUT NOW
True Colours is the new album by versatile pianist Dave Arch and acclaimed guitarist John Parricelli, two musicians who have known each other and played together since the early days of their careers.
Individually they have worked with a broad range of artists from across the musical spectrum, including Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Alexandre Desplatt, Kenny Wheeler and Charlie Haden amongst many others. Dave is also the Musical Director of numerous TV shows, including BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Collaborating on all the compositions, the result is an intimate, organic and atmospheric collection of pieces drawing on their love of jazz, film music, folk and pop. In addition to serving up these highly personal treats, the album also features master percussionist Paul Clarvis throughout, and award-winning vocalist Daisy Chute on two tracks. Beautifully recorded and mixed by ex-Abbey Road Chief Engineer Haydn Bendall – whose painting graces the album cover – this kaleidoscopic music will undoubtedly lift the listener’s spirits.