David Menser began playing music in 1977 while nuturing a budding career in motorcycle racing. Having achieved the success he pursued on the race tracks, he continues his passion for music and songwriting. David, now a corporate jet pilot, puts the time spent in hotel rooms across the country to good use by putting his thoughts and life experiences to music and is the principle songwriter for Straydaway. David's influence has come most notably from Jackson Browne and John Prine. As far as the highlight of his music career? It's right now!

David Walls has been playing guitar for more than 20 years and fortunate enought to have played around the world. While serving in the Marine Corps in 1998, he was part of a musical project that toured the Middle East supporting the troops by playing in cities such as Bahrain, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Dubai, and Jebel Ali. Once he returned to the States, he hooked p with a band called "Killin' Time," showcasing themselves at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Irvine, California. He and the group opened for such acts as The Warren Brothers, The Bellamy Brothers, Ricky Van Shelton, Andy Griggs and Rascal Flatts. Now residing in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, he says "I'm extremely fortunate to be apart of Straydaway and look forward to creating great music."

Playing drums since 1982 with influences stemming from Tommy Lee, Tommy Auldridge, and Peter Chris, Troy Thomas had developed into one of the most sought after cover band drummers in Western Kentucky. Cover bands, however, were not part of Troy's dream. It was to be a part of a group of gifted musicians like himself whose original music fit the style he'd been perfecting over the years. He found that unique role in Straydaway. Troy now has his own following of fans that love to hear him roll the solid pounding of his double kick bass drum and crystal clear high-hat cymbals, namely his wife Rosie and their son, Grayson.

Sean O'Bryan believes his bass playing should mimic his personality - low key and low flash. If that's the case, Sean's bass has a personality all its own and it brings Straydaway a definitive and articulate style to the lower end. Rather than simply filling the void in the bottom of the register as do many bass players, Sean's bass is often keenly synchronized with the kick of Troy Thomas' drums or the melodic accompaniment to Dave Wall's Lead guitar. His former bands include: The Sons of James Dean and Whipping Post. Straydaway however, is the latest band to benefit from Sean's talent.


Mike Deal began playing piano at age 6, but being born and raised in North and South Carolina respectively, he naturally became a student of hard-core, traditional bluegrass music on the 5 string banjo and guitar. Having come from a family whose musical hertiage spanned several generations, he was influenced by everything from gospel quartets to big band swing. Mike's transition to rock came from being the session keyboardist on Straydaway's first CD. In his own words, "It's a great fit and I'm surrounded by some of the best musicians I've ever worked with.

Bands come to be for many different reasons, and Straydaway is no exception. After playing a one-off party for a friend (on leave from the Iraq War), the band recognized they had a lot of fun playing music together. After the show was finished, it appeared that everyone would go back to their normal, everyday lives. David Menser (vocals, guitar) thought it would be fun to work up some of his original songs, in hope of recording them. When the songs came together fairly easily, as well as exhibiting the energy the individual members brought to the process, the next step was for them to find a studio to record in.

The results of these sessions, showcase songs that emphasize the group's collective energy. Whether it comes from the solid rhythmic backbone of Troy Thomas' drumming and Sean O'Brian's bass, or the blended weave of Mike Deal's keyobard and Dave Wall's lead guitar,, they provide a solid framework for David's honest vocals and storyteller lyrics. While some songs might send you speeding down a (out of the way) country road, other might place you under a shade tree, with someone you once knew. Music can take a person to many different places. From honest to positive to regretful to hopeful and back, Straydaway presents the listener a glimpse into the scenic view. The shortest way will surely get you there, but it's never as interesting...

Check out Straydaway's EPK, electronic press kit.

David Walls
Lead Guitar