Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A singer/songwriter who'd tasted the US bigtime with Superdrag before being dramatically rescued from substance abuse by a merciful God, here makes a hugely impressive solo debut. Taking the essential elements of pop and rock, bringing in a sense of history which takes in (in no particular order) the Beatles, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Kansas, traditional gospel music, blues, Andy Pratt and probably another 30 artists from the Davis album collection. Yet extraordinarily a voice of exceptional musical originality emerges amid all the diverse musical influences. My personal favourite is "The Kind Of Heart" with a death march tempo and a haunting melody which brings out the tender vulnerability of John's voice before occasional explosions into Phil Spector-like wall of sound. Other gems are "Have Mercy" with some old school hard rock guitar riffing and the broodingly bluesy "Tear Me Apart" with guitar licks seemingly straight off a John Lee Hooker session. Albums as eclectic as this seldom hit in the States. Programme controllers and marketing men prefer projects which stick firmly in one musical furrow. But for those adventurous enough to explore this dazzling, creative singer/songwriter with the dull name, they'll find one of the most intelligent musicians to hit the US.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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