Singing dentist takes poke at his profession:
Joshua Schoonover
Special for The Republic
Dec. 4, 2007 07:25 AM
Dr. David Lewis, 55, of Tempe does more than run a successful dental practice. He sings about it. "Dr. Dave" is a singer-songwriter who takes a tongue-in-cheek glance at his profession with his new CD of dental-themed songs called Drill, Fill and Bill.
Referring to himself as a "drill jockey" in one song, Lewis puts a comedic twist on what he has seen and heard over 28 years as a dentist. Lewis performs all of the instrumental parts and sings all of the vocals, using various accents to tell his dental tales from different perspectives.
"I have always been theatrical," Lewis says. "I use accents to add to the songs and give them life." And theatrical he is. Lewis uses a Jamaican accent in a song about a woman who prefers the pain of childbirth to receiving a Novocain shot. On another song called The Bite, an Irish brogue is employed to tell the story of a man with an extraordinary bite.
Lewis combines a hodgepodge of styles and sounds from one song to the next. "I'm just trying to have fun," Lewis said. There is also a serious side to this dentist-cum-musician, however. In 2000, he released his debut album titled Rocking Chair, which is a heartfelt response to life and family situations. "I'm a storyteller," Lewis said. "For me, music is the best form of emotional release. I hope to be doing this for a long time. I couldn't live without music."
Inspired by such musicians as Jackson Browne and the Beatles, Lewis uses his music to express appreciation for friends, family, nature and life. Lewis describes himself as a grounded, earthy man with a do-it-yourself mentality. When you walk into his dental office you won't be surprised to hear music playing, but you will be surprised to find that there are no receptionists or assistants anywhere in sight. Just as Lewis performs all instrumental and vocal parts on his album, he also performs all aspects of patient care in his practice. "It allows me to give my patients the ultimate care," Lewis said.
He credits his careful client selection for allowing him to find fulfillment in his work. Lewis puts more of a priority on building strong relationships than on business, and wouldn't want it any other way. "There isn't one patient of mine that I wouldn't call a friend," Lewis said.
When asked what he would rather be known as, a great dentist or a great songwriter, he has to stop and think for a minute. "That's a good question . . . probably a great dentist because of the history," he said. But being a great songwriter is a close second. "I would love to hear Tim McGraw sing my songs," he said. "I've got about six songs that are made-to-order for him."
Lewis firmly believes appreciating music and art provides an advantage in life and helps him see the symmetry and order of nature. He also advocates that music and having fun promote good health. Lewis' creed as a dentist is simple and can be applied to his outlook on life. In all he does, he hopes to produce work that "looks good, feels good and lasts a long time."
Drill, Fill and Bill is available for purchase or download at davidlewissongs.com and cdbaby.com.
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