Skeleton Key
 David Gogo had a guitar in his hands at the age of four and by age 16 was working steadily as a professional musician. His influences, Howlin' Wolf and Son House, drew Gogo to the emotional power and raw depth of the blues.
Things really fell into place for Gogo when Texas guitar icon, Stevie Ray Vaughan, befriended the budding talent encouraging him to pursue and commit to become a serious blues artist. Gogo formed a band called The Persuaders, who quickly made a name for themselves with a Western tour opening for such legendary blues acts as Albert Collins, another of Gogo's heroes.
After a European tour supporting the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Gogo signed a solo deal with EMI/Capitol Music. The self-titled album was released to critical acclaim and garnered him a Juno (Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) nomination for Best New Artist. In short succession Gogo was performing on stage with his idols B.B. King, Otis Rush, Blues Traveler and many others at the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and guesting on Tom Cochrane's "Mad Mad World" album.
Despite these successes, Gogo decided to part ways with EMI to pursue his singular passion for blues. Gogo self-released CD "Dine Under the Stars" was snapped up by Dixiefrog Records in France and by Cordova Bay Records. It was a surprise to no one that Gogo was named "Musician of the Year" 1999/2000 at the West Coast Music Awards. Gogo's fourth Cordova Bay CD "Halfway to Memphis" was the first of Gogo's CDs released in the US.
Gogo has received many accolades. He was named “Guitarist of the Year" at the 2002 and 2004 Maple Blues Awards, where he also received 5 nominations. He was also recipient of the 2004 CBC Saturday Night Blues, "Great Canadian Blues Award" for a lifetime contribution to blues music. And for the 2005 Maple Blues Awards Gogo was nominated “Electric Act of the Year."
Over the last five years, Gogo has performed with Little Feat, Johnny Winter, Downchild Blues Band, Jimmie Vaughan, Colin Linden, The Tragically Hip and George Thorogood. In 2005 he appeared at the Ottawa Bluesfest, performing to 20,000 plus and rave reviews in support of ZZ Top, considered by the Ottawa Citizen to be a “career high." The highlight of 2005 was the opportunity to reunite with B.B. King in Toronto when Gogo performed at the legend's 80th Birthday celebration. Gogo was invited to meet the “King of The Blues" back at his hotel, where they talked blues and took photos of the occasion. The year culminated with two sold-out performances with another of his heroes, Texas guitarist, Johnny Winter.
With "Skeleton Key", his fifth CD on Cordova Bay, Gogo displays his creative talents, while exploring new ground and building on his previous success. His ability to blend blues, soul and rock in an electric performance brings an innovative texture to his music. Gogo handpicked a slew of fresh original works that show musical maturity and a deep understanding of the blues/rock genre. And his treatment of unexpected gems by such diverse artists as Depeche Mode and Stevie Wonder illustrates his knack for turning chart-topping hits into contemporary blues/rock anthems.
David Gogo's dynamic style and mesmerizing skill as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and entertainer keeps him center stage wherever he plays. Sharp in action, dress and wit, Gogo leaves his audience entertained with dazzling rifts, edgy vocals, original tunes and off-the-cuff remarks. Part musician, part comedian, he's a force to be reckoned with. And yes, Gogo is his real name!
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David Gogo - Skeleton Key
Taking it to the Streets
"...Volcanic guitarist, quite mesmerizing when he attacks." Geoff Chapman- Toronto Star
"Soaring atop a cyclone of Hammond organ swirls, Texas-style guitar-slinger Dave Gogo is equally at home with both heartfelt ballads and groovin' blues rockers. Reminiscent at times of Johnny Winter and ZZ Top - only Gogo sings better." - Adrian Chamberlain - Victoria Times-Colonist
"From tortured blues and sweet soul music to blistering boogie and slinky shuffles, Gogo gets it right on ‘Skeleton Key'." Eric Thom - Exclaim!
“Canadian archetypal blues-rocker David Gogo has a new album poised for release and it's a MONSTER. When delivery of 'Skeleton Key' reaches your local store it will probably arrive in an armoured truck with a heavily armed police escort. Watch out, watch out ‘coz Gogo's about!" - bluesfreepress.org.uk
"Actually, every song on this album, whether original or cover, is a classic." Arthur Shuey - Word on the Street
"Occasionally, very occasionally, a performer comes along whose natural talent is so obvious you almost have to seal it in a container to avoid it leaking out all over the place," Keith Sharp - Impact Magazine
"The minute I put 'Skeleton Key' on I reached for the volume control and cranked it way up. I didn't turn it down 'till the very last song. Once again... WOW! More evidence of what a monster talent David really is. It SPARKLES, crackles and smokes. Killer band, great songs," Storman Norman - Sunday Blues - Rock 101
"We were blown away by the intensity and passion that Gogo delivers in every song on 'Skeleton Key'. The tracks are not only radio friendly, they are also very contagious. 'Personal Jesus' was an instant add," Rudy Chase - 106.9 The Wolf
"Gogo is an upper tier guitarist whose brand of blues/rock will hit you in the chin with the force of a Clark Kent uppercut," BluesRockers.ws
"I doubt there is another blues guitarist around at the moment who can speak through their instrument quite like David Gogo can. This is music that demands attention and respect. Modern blues at its best," Ken McGrath - Sorted magAZine, Ireland
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