Aaron Davis, frontman of Boondocks and Global Review, steps out on his own with new release
Rear View Mirror (Yella Dog Records/2008). The album title gives props to the images and ideas that have made an impression on the Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based singer-songwriter.
Chalked full of styles and textures from large, rockin' ensembles ("Mystery Woman") to stripped-down acoustic ("The Cardinal") and rippin' slide guitar ("1937"), the 12-track disc is a ride through roots-based Americana. Push play and you'll hear rock, folk, blues, country, jazz and bluegrass.
"I've always been a schizophrenic player in terms of genre and style," he says. "The songs are eclectic, but they make sense together. In a way, this album is a timeline of my life. You know, being born in 1937 and all."
Davis produced and engineered the album himself in the confines of his new Yella Dog Studio, and renamed his label Yella Dog Records. He wrote and arranged all songs except one cover tune and one co-write. Longtime friend Nate Jones wrote "Pass it On," while "Mystery Woman" was developed from a poem written by another close friend, Ryan Allen, with music and additional lyrics written by Davis.
"This batch of tunes has a lot of personal meaning for me, with lyrics falling on both the real and jovial sides of life," Davis says. "For me, it's a good balance not to take things so seriously all of the time. Playing these tunes live reminds me to keep that balance in my everyday life."
Being involved with many different bands and musicians over the years, he wanted to tap the local scene for some of his favorite players. Fellow members of Boondocks can be heard on several tunes—drummers Andy Peterson and David Bundy, bassist Bryan Perkes, harmonica player John Kuzloski, and the harmony singing of Margo Valiante.
Other guest players include Ben Winship (Brother Mule, Loose Ties) on mandolin, bassists Bill Plummer (Rolling Stones, Miles Davis) and Marshall Davis (Mandatory Air), vocalists Seadar Rose (Screen Door Porch) and Michael Batdorf (One Ton Pig, Easy Chair Music), pianist Matt Kramer (Global Review), trombonist John Kidwell (Chanman Roots Band, Jackson 6), percussionist Barry Lewis (Global Review) and saxophonist Jason Fritts (Global Review, Jackson 6).
"There were some really creative moments in the studio and I thank all of these talented local players for putting their own spin on each tune," Davis said. "It was important for me to work with friends, not just good players."
In addition to vocals, Davis plays multiple instruments on the disc, including acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars, harmonica, bass, mandolin, washboard, jaw harp, kalimba, and an assortment of household percussion.
Other personnel:
Mixed by Greg Creamer, PureLand Studio, Driggs, ID
Mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO
Tracklist:
1. 1937
2. Papa Hemmi’s Hideout
3. Mystery Woman
4. Still Drinkin’ Your Whiskey
5. Leavin’ the 9 to 5
6. Pass it On
7. For Your Own Good
8. Looking Back
9. What the Hell, Grandpa
10. GP
11. Day the River Died
12. The Cardinal
For interviews, booking inquiries or more information on Aaron Davis and Rear View Mirror, please visit
www.AaronDavisMusic.com or email
Info@AaronDavisMusic.com.
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