Brock Davis – Nothing Lasts Forever
This set gets off to a wonderful upbeat start with the soaring pedal steel guitar of Russ Pahl & the enthusiastic vocals of Brock Davis (piano) on “All of You.” Definite feel-good music right out of the gate from the 14-track self-produced Nothing Lasts Forever (Drops Feb 27/Raintown Records/48:17).
Sounding a bit like early Gordon Lightfoot on “Nowhere Near Ready,” Brock sings with clarity, good intonation & tone. Confident, well-articulated, a song about self-examination with no punches pulled. Brock has good song topicality – he covers areas that few artists seem to venture into. While they continue to swim in lyrical cliches & basic tales told ad nauseam, Brock paints with a broad brush & becomes aggressive (“I’ll Be Your Alibi”) effectively. His balladry has a pinch of rock, with a sumptuous backup chorus that flexes impressively with its gospel-inflected soulfulness.
Many songs are poignant, with vitality & quite personal. Along with Lightfoot, Brock also has a Mickey Newbury touch, with some songs displaying his excellent pipes (“Nothing Lasts Forever” “Til The Morning Comes”). Songs sung & designed to be short stories with characters, situations & lots of reminiscing. Not too commercial or mainstream, but Brock hits a chord in the heart as well as the soul.
Brock’s skill is when he maintains the same kind of song with a contemplative assertion without repeating himself. “I’m Glad You Left Me” is intense without being powerful, but with well-chosen words that Brock delivers with a sting of reality. Who sings songs like this? Few. If no one. Many can relate. Some realize it; others don’t. Brock tells the tale from someone who has insight into what can’t be. Can’t be. That’s impressive. That’s soul-baring. Brave. Nothing short of saying this song is excellent, despite its sadness, will suffice.
Brock even has the competency to write a song about what I witnessed – the landing of a huge jet down the center of the Hudson River. He turns that near-tragedy into a love song with “Miracle on the Hudson.” A contemplative ballad. Don’t take life for granted. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. This is a wonderful song. “Time slows down…” he sings. How powerful can three words be? He concludes the song almost voiceless, essential to the drama without being dramatic. And with “Til The Morning Comes” — bring a box of tissues.
Highlights – “All of You,” “Nowhere Near Ready,” “I’ll be Your Alibi,” “Nothing Lasts Forever,” “I’m Glad You Left Me,” “Miracle On the Hudson,” “One Paycheck Away,” “Daddy’s Girl,” “Til The Morning Comes” & “Christmas (Going Home).”
Musicians – Pat McGrath (acoustic guitar/mandolin), Justin Ostrander (electric guitar), Duncan Mullins (bass), Marcus Finnie (drums), Michael Hicks (keys), Trey Keller, Tania Hancheroff & Drea Albert (bgv).
Color image courtesy of Leyla Kuhn. Silhouette image courtesy of Brock’s Facebook & video. CD @ https://brockdavismusic.com/home
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Brock Davis “Everyday Miracle“
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