Brad Davis
This World is No Child

Review By Steven Stone
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CD Number: FGM Records 5915912 

  Brad David took a break from his regular gig, playing guitar with Sam Bush's band, to release his new CD. This World is No Child showcases not only his picking skills, but also his songwriting and singing abilities. The final result proves Brad ranks as one of the most talented musicians on the contemporary acoustic music scene.

All twelve songs on This World is No Child were co-written by Brad Davis. They vary from pop-influenced tunes such as "Shadows," "All I Need to Know," and "Feet of Clay" to more traditional selections like "Lacrosse," "True Love," and "Holy River." My favorite song on This World is No Child was co-written by Tommy Polk. "Ain't That Just Like Love" combines a comfortable mid-speed tempo with an infectious chorus and bluesy instrumental hooks. Another seductive number titled "I'm Not Through Loving You," co-written by Tom Paden, features a lushly bittersweet melody line with luxuriant harmonies coupled to a wistful dobro obbligato.

An impressive bunch of musicians accompany Brad throughout the album. Sam Bush and John Jorgenson play mandolin, Byron House handles bass, Rob Ickes plays dobro, Chris Brown plays drums, Frank Fogerty plays piano, and Greg Davis and Bela Fleck play banjo. Cameo appearances by Rashad Eggleston on cello, and Billy Bob Thornton and Tommy Shaw on vocals round out the players' roster. Brad handles all the guitar parts and most of the vocals.

Co-produced by Brad Davis and Dave Sinko and recorded at the Sound Emporium in Nashville, TN, the CD's sound quality stacks up well compared with larger labels' releases. In addition to producing, Dave Sinko engineered, mixed, and mastered the disc. His extensive experience recording acoustic and roots music is obvious here. Sinko manages to successfully tread that thin line between clarity and warmth. The resulting disc sounds as good through my portable CD player as it does through my mega-buck home rig.

All too often "sideman projects" surface and then quickly drop out of sight. This World is No Child contains so much great music that it deserves not only critical raves but mainstream media attention. Give it a listen and when you play it for your friends tell them you read about it here first.

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