It is a common trope in the backstory of a renowned musician to realize their passion at a young age. Perhaps it was watching the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, or trying to recreate Jimmy Page’s solo on “Stairway to Heaven” through finger-callusing trial and error. Dave Nachmanoff’s youthful origin story as a musician saw him do more than merely witness or emulate a music legend…rather, he played alongside one.

At age 9, Dave was proficient enough on guitar to win a talent contest in his native Virginia, wowing the audience with a rendition of Libba Cotten’s folk-blues classic “Freight Train.” His performance earned him a half hour set at a local folk festival, where his rendition of the song ultimately led to having dinner with Cotten herself. The blues legend was so impressed by the young Nachmanoff’s playing that she invited him to play with her on the grounds of the Washington Monument.

That fateful encounter portended a career that spans decades as both a supporting musician and solo artist. From living room concerts all over the United States to the Royal Albert Hall in London, Dave Nachmanoff’s six-string wizardry and pensive lyrics entertain legions of fans. Dave came to prominence for many listeners around the world as a touring and session guitarist for Al Stewart. Much like his childhood jam with Libba Cotten, it was a partnership that brought his youth full circle, having grown up idolizing Stewart. Yet his talent as a supporting guitarist wasn’t limited to merely hitting the familiar notes of hit songs like “Year of the Cat.” Dave pressed his hero to dig deep into his catalogue, extricating deep cuts like “Princess Olivia” in new acoustic arrangements in concert. It’s an apt measure of Dave’s unique virtuosity, which he has also shared onstage with other greats like Alison Krauss, Firefall, Dave Mason, and America.

As a recording artist in his own right, Nachmanoff has released a dozen albums to date. His sprightly guitar playing marries fluidly with lyrics born out of a sage philosopher’s mind. That’s not a hyperbolic description, either: Dave has a Ph.D. in philosophy. His 2016 album Spinoza’s Dream expounded on that background with 11 songs connected to famous philosophers. His latest album, Cerulean Sky, saw Dave work with a lineup of renowned names, including Richard Thompson’s rhythm section (Michael Jerome and Taras Prodaniuk) and Grammy-nominated producer-engineer Bill Smith (Frank Sinatra, Yes, Paul Simon). With each album, his songwriting has evolved in both musical texture and lyrical finesse, to high praise from critics. “Sophisticated but never pretentious or ponderous,” wrote Rob Ross of PopDose.com.

Even though he’s played alongside world-renowned acts, Nachmanoff never loses sight of the importance of his closest friends and supporters. He regularly plays house concerts for fans eager to host him. In addition to playing benefit shows for a variety of philanthropic causes, Nachmanoff also pays his musical gifts forward as an instructor. Through private lessons, and teaching at camps and retreats, Dave keeps the spirit of mentorship of Libba Cotten and others alive. “There were so many amazing people that mentored me as I was coming up, that I feel like it’s a great thing to be able to continue the chain,” he says.

Today, Dave tours with his new backing band, the Usual Culprits. Featuring Nick Carvajal on bass and Ryan Davis on drums, the trio livens up every venue with a dynamic sound. Whether it’s the playful gratitude of “Accident of Birth,” or the lilting meditation of “Spinoza’s Dream,” the Usual Culprits expound upon Dave’s artistic vision like any backing band should.

With a new album in the works, and a slate full of concerts year round, Dave Nachmanoff’s musical journey lays at an exciting juncture: a road well-traveled, albeit with much to be discovered.

Above: Dave at soundcheck for the Al Stewart show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, 2015. . Photo by Anne Burghard.