David Shawn Ruppert

Strumming on his Father's acoustic guitar as a small child led to a fascination with music which has lasted Shawn's entire life. "Being able to perform or create a piece of music, to express the intended emotions of a song, is a powerful gift", Shawn says, "Music has the ability to change a listeners feelings, to move them in a variety of directions, make them laugh, cry, and everything in between, it can even move mountains." Shawns influences are many, from the record collection of his Father in his early years to the present. " I love all music, no matter the genre, some better than others of course but i consider myself fortunate to have been able to see the beginnings of the 70's and 80's music that has led to all the different genre of today." Although Shawn can play guitar, he fell in love with the Bass around the age of 11. He had some formal lessons back in those days, even being taken under the wing of a local Bassist, but for the most part has taught himself the art. " I am not a flashy player by any means, but i dont feel thats the job of the instrument i play, leave that for the guitar player" he says laughing. Shawn's playing has been described in print as "Simple melodic bass lines that pound in your chest like lead." He can groove, play in the pocket and he knows his role in a band. "The Bass is almost a percussion instrument, hold that groove with the drums and keep the low end thumping, a tight rythym section is one of the keys to having a great sounding band." He doesnt lack in stage presence either. Shawn has recorded and performed with numerous Rock, Americana, and Country acts from several different States, but mainly in his home State of Ohio. He is also a pretty decent "off the cuff" player and fills in for groups whenever the need arises. " I feel pretty lucky to have been able to grow and learn by performing with some of the best musicians in NW Ohio, musicians I would consider "A" level and a few even World Class, thats a pretty special feeling."