The MEN BEHIND THE MUSIC
David Putterman -
Drums & Percussion
David Putterman is an exceptional Connecticut-based drummer who has been a pillar of the music scene since the late 1960s. Known for his deep technical roots and elite musicality, David infuses every performance with high-energy precision. As the driving force behind the band BackTrax, his distinct style focuses on elevating the entire arrangement rather than just keeping time.
Beyond his lifelong dedication to the kit, David's career is defined by an extraordinary story of neurological resilience. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, he initially lost his mobility and ability to perform. Refusing to step away, David used intensive drum therapy to rewire his brain, regain 100% of his elite playing ability, and successfully suppress the disease's progression.
His remarkable comeback and master-level control have earned deep respect within the drumming community, including praise from industry icons like Ian Paice of Deep Purple and Steve Moore ("The Mad Drummer"), proving the high respect he commands within the professional drumming community. David’s inspiring triumph is chronicled in the mini-documentary, "Fighting Parkinson's Disease with Drums," highlighting how musical mastery effectively saved his quality of life.
BERNIE COSTA -
Bass & Vocals
Bernie Costa is a talented musician from Ellington, CT. Bernie has been the bass player in BackTrax since the band’s inception in 2021. He began his musical voyage playing guitar, but ultimately realized that his heart was drawn to the bass guitar. As a result, Bernie has been playing bass guitar for over 40 years. Bernie’s love for music has been influenced by artists such as Styx, Journey, Boston, Foreigner and Bon Jovi.
fred harrington -
guitarS & lead vocals
Fred Harrington is a seasoned lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and song writer from Burlington, CT. Fred was heavily influenced by the British Rock Invasion of the early 1960s, as well as by many solo singer/songwriters of the 1960s - 1990s. Fred’s music genre includes classic rock, southern rock, and the blues. His most recent original songs include “These Highways” & “With My Girl”. Fred has also performed as a soloist (acoustic guitar and vocals). Fred has been the lead singer in several bands over the years. His projects include; Time Machine, Time Factor, Hidden Agenda & most recently BackTrax as a founding member.
dave madara - keyboards
Dave Madara is a versatile pianist from Bloomfield, CT whose journey began young with a passion for the keys. Studying classical and jazz piano at Berklee School of Music in Boston formed the core of his technique. His interests evolved, expanding beyond the classics to a spectrum of genres, from film score to rock and contemporary pop. Dave joined BackTrax in 2025 and contributes a myriad of sounds and instrumentations: rock piano, Hammond Organ, vintage synthesizers, and lush horns. This sonic variety is fundamental to the band’s sound and mission to transport the audience back to the music they love, honoring the original recordings while injecting a fresh, contemporary energy into the live show. When Dave isn’t performing with BackTrax, he gives piano lessons to music students of all ages.
mike fraser - keyboards, guitars & vocals
Mike Fraser recently joined BackTrax adding his guitar, keyboards and vocals to the band. Originally from California, Mike has extensive experience in the music industry as a producer, audio engineer and performer. He has been involved in numerous bands (both original and cover) and has recorded and produced 2 studio albums. In the mid-1990s, He was the Lead Vocalist and Bass Player for the progressive rock band Cast of Shadows which recorded and produced the album Face The Time. He also recorded with Gene Kostelnik as Red Shoes For Romeo and produced the album Gypsy Fortune Teller in 2007. As a session player, Mike has performed keyboards, bass, guitar and vocals on numerous studio albums and commercial projects. He has also worked as a photographer and video editor and recently filmed and produced the Backtrax music video for Hit the Road Runnin’ in 2025.
ray taylor - guitars & vocals
Ray Taylor joined BackTrax at its inception in 2021, bringing more than three decades of experience as a versatile multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer. Grounded in creativity and collaboration, he honed his craft on the Seattle music circuit, writing original material and contributing to a wide range of projects both on stage and in the studio. Proficient on guitar, keyboards, drums, bass, and more, Ray brings depth, adaptability, and a strong musical sensibility to every performance. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with diverse artists and producers on recordings, live shows, and licensed compositions. Today, he’s channeling that experience into BackTrax—having a great time learning and performing some of rock’s most iconic songs.