Kurt grew up in Pool’s Cove, Newfoundland, a small, scenic fishing outport on the Connaigre Peninsula. Kurt’s musical path was significantly influenced by his father Allan – a multi-musician and singer who played button accordion, bass, rhythm guitar and keyboard (by ear), and aside from the constant pleasure-playing around the house he lent his talent to everything from directing the church choir to playing in bands and festivals.
When Kurt was 10 years old his father bought him a second-hand set of Ludwig drums and encouraged him to play along with records to try and mimic the drum parts. Kurt says at that age he lacked the dedication needed to progress quickly but by the age of 13 he found a renewed sense of musical energy when his father offered him a summer gig with his band playing a mixture of rock, country and traditional music at local clubs on weekends. Kurt was hooked.
“It’s impossible for me to explain how much of an influence my father has had on my life in general, but more especially on my musical direction,” Explains Kurt. “I never ever felt that music was a burden for him and I always knew he was behind me 100 per cent.”
A year or so later, Kurt became the drummer for The Highwaymen and for a couple years performed a mixture of rock, country and traditional music on weekends at clubs and functions both locally and across the province.
In high school in English Harbour West, he helped form a rock band called Feedback with three other friends. The band performed regularly for a few years at school functions, clubs, local festivals and in other communities. Kurt’s parents’ support, as usual, was evident and included regular practice space at home and his father’s van to transport the band’s gear. While the switch to rock music with his peers was a refreshing change, the local traditional music scene led by successful duo Simani, continued to have an influence on Kurt. Simani member and family friend Sim Savoury gave Kurt the opportunity to record drum tracks at his studio, including Simani’s music on a few occasions, and was always supportive.
After high school, all the members of Feedback moved to St. John’s and kept the band going for a couple years. Kurt’s involvement in music experienced a lull when he moved to Halifax in 1993 to attend university. But, once he returned to St. John’s to live and work, he started drumming and providing occasional vocals for the Irish-influenced band Kilkenny Krew.
In 2007, Kurt formed a celtic-based duo called Best Kind with current Dungarvan member Al Samms who has ultimately had a great influence on Kurt’s development as a guitarist and singer. The two added their talents and flavour to Dungarvan in 2010.
“We are having a lot of fun as Dungarvan and it’s a huge bonus that we are experiencing some early success as a band,” says Kurt. “I appreciate the huge musical talent of those around me and I’m grateful for the way music has been a part of my life for so long. It keeps fueling the desire in me to be a better musician.”
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