Andy Davis
This writer should probably pass this performer on to someone else, but we will try to be objective about Andy Davis, a young keyboardist/songwriter/singer. Not everyone will fall in line with what appears to be an uncomplicated love-song style or the soft, easy-listening ballads. But the music is considerably more complex than it first seems. “Union and 3rd” (Let The Woman 2007 bigHelium) will probably be one of those tunes in the hate it/love it category.
The title track “Let The Woman” is, like many of Davis’ tunes, keyboard driven. He is an accomplished key player. One of his songs, “Black Keys” actually states something like “it’s easier on the black keys,” when every beginning piano student knows the white keys are the easiest. A few more listens might uncover the true meaning of this nice song. Davis also does a creditable job on the acoustic guitar. Some will find “Call a Spade a Spade” might be one of the stronger songs on the collection.
As for live performances, never fear. Davis is a traveling man, covering Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and single stops in half a dozen other states. He signed an exclusive distribution deal with Barnes & Noble in 2007, a decision that put his CD in one of the most popular book/music locations in the country. Davis is on his way.
Tags: indie, Andy Davis, music, indie music, independent music
I actually enjoy Andy Davis’ style of music; it might be too “easy listening” for folks who prefer edgier, hard-rock indie acts, but this is right up my alley. A nice masculine yet gentle voice, good keyboards, a nice touch on acoustic guitar, and heartfelt lyrics. It’s almost like listening to a young, Southern-born Billy Joel. This is one classy singer for listeners who like soft rock and more easy-listening songs.
Hmm..torn here. I’ve heard quite a few acoustic ballads in my life, and Davis’ guitar work is decent at best, but nothing to write home about. But listening to a song such as “Let the Woman” makes me think he may just have something there. Definitely excellent keyboard work and nice vocals on this one. As far as “Black Keys”, I have no doubt that there is an underlying meaning in there, but it bored me to tears, so I won’t even waste my time trying to figure it out…but again, excellent keyboard work. And ugh, I just don’t care for “Union and 3rd” whatsoever.
I suppose it all comes down to which song works for a specific listener. Sometimes I am torn even with musicians I absolutely love and have followed for years. Not every song written or sung by, say, Billy Joel strikes me as a true masterpiece…some I like, others I avoid.
So, yep, I can see why you’d have a mixed reaction. It’s quite a natural one.
I enjoy acoustic bands, and I believe Andy Davis has got some real potential. When music is capable of sending goosebumps up my arms, I think that’s enough to say that this guy is good. Sure, his guitar work isn’t as good as other acoustic bands, but I love his voice. Believable Doubt just makes my heart go a’flutter! Instant fan I am!