Guitarist and composer David Lord has been described as “a six-string anomaly, a genuine diamond in the rough” (Bill Milkowski) and as a someone who “weaves true magic with his music” (Babysue). His music has been featured in publications such as Downbeat, Dusted Magazine, A Closer Listen, All About Jazz, Under the Radar, Bandcamp Daily, Alternative Press, Magnet and Tiny Mix Tapes.
After 15 releases under the name Francis Moss and with indie-rock bands The Wonder Revolution, Miki Moondrops and Solagget, Lord released the debut album under his own name in 2018, Forest Standards Vol. 1- featuring drummer Chad Taylor (Chicago Underground, Pharoah Sanders, Roscoe Mitchell) and bassist Devin Hoff (Nels Cline, Mary Halvorson, Xiu Xiu) The album was recorded in Long Beach, CA at Chris Schlarb’s BIG EGO Studios and released via BIG EGO Records.
In 2020 released Forest Standards Vol. 2, also recorded at BIG EGO, featuring guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise, Joshua Redman, Brian Blade), bassist Billy Mohler (Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Liz Phair) and drummer Chad Taylor. The album received significant press, receiving a favorable review from Downbeat and being included on Anthony Dean-Harris’ “Best Jazz of 2020” list.
Forest Standards Vol. 3 was released in 2023 as co-release from Astral Sprits and BIG EGO Records. The album again features Chad Taylor on drums, with additions of Nathan Hubbard (marimba, vibraphone), David Tranchina (bass) and Christine Tavolacci (flute). The album was named #1 on Strange Currency’s Best Music of 2023 and was featured in Aquarium Drunkard and other publications.
In addition to recording and performing, Lord has been teaching guitar since 2000. He has his music degree in music performance. From 2008-2012, Lord directed the guitar program at Friends University in Wichita, KS, teaching jazz and classical guitar and directing jazz and guitar ensembles.
In 2008, Lord founded Air House Music Academy in Wichita, KS, which he owns and manages to this day. Air House has over 20 teachers offering private lessons as well as jazz ensemble and performance programs.
In 2010, Lord opened Air House Studios in partnership with legendary recording engineer Micajah Ryan (Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, Megadeth). As a recording engineer, Lord has worked with a variety of bands and artists including Macy Gray, Skinny Hightower, Dustin Arbuckle, The World Palestine, Craig Owens, Cartwheel, Mike Unruh, Kevin Cheli, Seth Andrew Davis and Maria Elena Silva.
After spending a year in Santa Fe, NM and several years in Montreal, QC, Lord moved back to the midwest in the summer of 2023, where he is currently teaching at Air House Music Academy & Wichita State University in addition to performing throughout the region. In the winter of 2023, Lord founded Nimbus New Music, a concert series and recording residency for creative music.