David Greenwood and Friends - Live at The Cottage Club

"They Say there was a secret Chord That David Played and It Pleased The Lord"

David Greenwood, Previously Gaël Greenwood and frontwoman of Gaëleou and now frontman of David G. (Official band name to come) had a year from hell last year. Let's be real here, David has had one of the most remarkable lives I have ever come to know.

With a song like "Preacher Man," (which got him (then her) kicked out of performing at a women's prison by sticking it to the preacher in charge )and being an unconventional antiauthoritarian rebel, you wouldn't normally put David and Religious scripture in the same room, but man. When you hear his music it's a true spiritual awakening of note. These words came to mind on Friday night as I stared up at him on the stage and he shared this story with us.

In the middle of his set, he told us all in the audience that he wanted to play guitar from the age of 11 but only really started when he joined a church and "made everyone deaf" because he didn't have a clue how to play yet. And then he discovered the secret chord that made everything fall into place.

From being rescued several times by the love of horses, to dear friendships, to heartbreak and homelessness, there was just so much connection in the room. Everyone related to at least one part of his story. You could see it in the tears and smiles on all our faces.

I remember hearing "Soldier Boy" for the 1st time, and I didn't know Gaël from a bar of soap and I just instantly connected with (then) her music. We started inboxing each other and eventually chatting on whatsapp. Honestly, I was quite honored as it seemed that Gaël and the band were really going places and were local celebs. All of that didn't matter though, as this friendship began to bud and we started baring our souls to each other.

We both had a shit year. I lost my job twice and was dealing with the reality of a permanent disability, and Gaël lost the love of her life, lost her home her purpose and her band.

But despite it all, somehow life turning us upside down and inside out helped us realize who we really are, and why music matters to us.

And we found comfort and real friendship in each other! What a bonus!

Spreading love is the ultimate goal. Fuck external validation. We want to make a tangible difference through our music. Finding like-minded people who want to spread rebellion, inspiration and love is what we're after.

Gaël transitioned to David and is more at home in his own soul voice and body than I have ever seen anyone.

David and his musical partner Kathy (the violinist in these videos) have started an initiative in Ocean View in the Cape Flats, the purpose of which is to empower young people in the gang-ridden area to feel empowered and take their future into their own hands. These are kids who have been horrifically traumatized and grew up on empty stomachs with hearts full of fear. Kathy and David bring them 1st aid courses to train them as 1st responders, violin lessons, skateboarding lessons, and music days (among so many other initiatives). They're giving these kids hope and putting the power back in their handsCape Flats Wellness Centre and it's brought me to my knees.

I've gone off track with my charity work for a long time and I've felt a big hole. Life just got too.... busy. I guess maybe I needed life to bring me down to my knees so I could be reminded of what I set out to do in the 1st place with Song of Hope. I'm really looking forward to getting involved in any way I can.

Back to this incredibly magical evening, David, Willem Moller, and Kathy Eggers had us glued to our chairs and between laughter with David's wicked sense of humor, and tears, with his real-life stories of struggle with debilitating hemiplegic migraines and triumph with his transition. The music was a true soul journey and I feel so privileged to have been able to share such a special experience with those who joined us.

Special thanks to Bill Knight and Amanda Risi for hosting us at the Cottage Club Original Folk Music Venue and to Jessica Garvie for being my plus one for the night! It was truly special.

Here are my favorite songs from the evening. I've even given you a little backstory to each... because aside from being an incredible musician, David is also a storyteller. And I'm here today to share some of that magic and heartache with you.

Love Will Rise

A great song to open the evening and set the tone for the whole performance. Love will rise ❤️

Soldier Boy

A tale of shame, grief, and abuse, this song speaks out against victim blaming and against abuse that spans across gender, race, and age. This is the song that originally hooked my heart.

Ode to Andrea

Written for a wild little girl who taught a young Gaël to let go and love life completely. Riding bareback across the plaas on a pony with their hands stretched up to the sky, they were freer than the wind. Sadly, Andrea passed away in 2010. This song is a beautiful dedication to her life.

Preacher Man

This song got Gaël kicked out of a woman's prison. To elaborate, she was performing as part of a recreation and rehabilitation program headed by the church. Needless to say, the preacher's sermon on labeling gay and transgender people as "disgusting" and women as liars when they "cry rape" infuriated her to the core. She returned the next day and played this song. Getting her kicked out, but I think he got the message.

Love Will Be My Rebellion

This song is what connected David to the kids in Ocean View. A gangland of Cape Town where the children seemingly have no hope. This song is a symbol of how they are being empowered to take their lives and futures back. No matter what economic, racial, or cultural background you come from, this song will touch your heart and have you singing "Love Will be My Rebellion" out loud.