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David Francis McGrath comes from a long lineage of Traditional Irish Musicians, some of whom include his cousin Joe Cooley, a well known composer and founder of several schools of Irish Music, his maternal grandmother an Irish fiddle player, his paternal grandfather who was a guitar teacher & banjo player, and David’s own mother Rosemary McGrath, winner of the Feis Ceoil (All Ireland Music Competitions) in 1958 for singing in both Irish & English languages.

David’s music education began when he was 7yrs old in Boston, Ma, playing cello and then clarinet in grade school. He sang in several choirs and choral groups in church and school. Later, he inherited his grandfather’s guitar and played & sang popular folk music throughout college.

After college he moved to Seattle, there he expanded his love of world music studying Afro-Cuban & West African percussion and singing. His teachers included Jeffery Mayo (a student of Armando Peraza – Santana), Chata Addy (Master drummer from Ghana), and Mohammed Shaibu (Master drummer of the Talking Drum). David performed with these teachers regularly for many years playing in all the major nightclubs in Seattle and throughout the NW.

      Around 8yrs ago David was living with Ethnomusicology students from the UW. It was through them that he was introduced to the Arabic cane flute. The "Nay" is one of the oldest instruments in the Middle East dating back 6,000 yrs. It was the sound of the "Nay", the Arabic music scales, and the intricate melodies that he fell in love with.

      It took several years to be able to feel confident playing the "Nay". It is an incredibly difficult instrument to play, which is probably why not many people play it. The bi-labial ambiture (position of the lips while blowing) is unique to the "Nay". He studied mostly on his own, with only a few opportunities to learn from teachers including: Dr. Scott Marcus (Dept. Ethnomusicology Santa Barbara, CA), Walid Farhoud (Palestinian singer & Kanun player).  

      David continues to be involved in Irish culture, music & dancing and enjoys sharing his rich culture in turn with his Arabic friends. 

      With the close bond David developed with other founding members Stephen Elaimy & Jane Hall, the ensemble grew and added more members including Sallah Ali & Erik Brown. They all share a great love and appreciation for Arabic music & culture, as well as the special friendship each of them share.