Songs of hope
Kate Philipp | Mpls, MN | 03/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""There's a Springtime Feeling In My Heart" - Here she is.......back in the 1940's. Since 911 we need something to sing about - and here it is - the feel good song of this generation. I would buy this CD for this song alone. You can't feel bad after listening to this one. The big band sound of the 1940's makes your feet move and your heart beat a little faster because you aren't just hopeful that things will get better - this song makes you KNOW that things WILL get better.We have so much depression today and as we see our loved ones struck by some crisis in their lives - what can we do to help? Play this tune......I'd personally like to see every nursing home in the US play this song once a day. ......this should be standard therapy for the depressed."I'm Pulling Through" - I can see why this is the title track. Stephanie's voice is really highlighted here. I would be doing her an injustice in comparing her to Billie Holiday or Lena Horne because she has a style all her own. But if you like a good crooner she shines on this one.I fully expected after listening to Stephanie Davis' CD; RIVER OF NO RETURN that her other CD: I'M PULLING THROUGH would be of the same genre. How wrong I was. Most artists define their style and stay with one form of music (hard rock, rap, pure country, R&B, etc.) and that is fine if you like just one kind of music. I like ALL kinds......and listening to Stephanie Davis gives me just that.
She has the versatility and the confidence to jump out of her pure country (beautifully sung ballads) to a musical selection reminiscent of Billie Holiday. Complete with big band sounds and lots of horns. My personal favorite; though not the most popular cut on the CD; is "He's Funny That Way". While achieving the delicacy of a blues singer, she can intertwine the story telling of a true country ballad. A song that spoke to my heart.HER VOICE
If you could put voice to a clear clean cold mountain stream, moving rapidly while being warmed by the rays of an intensely burning sun......you would hear the voice of Stephanie DavisWhile not being musically talented myself - I've always felt I can recognize good stuff when I hear it. Stephanie Davis IS not only good stuff - she sings good stuff. Versatile and talented, Stephanie Davis has a gift that is just being discovered and I
think we will soon be blessed by more of her musical ability."
Back to the forties
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 10/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stephanie is much too young to know what the forties were really all about but she clearly loves the music of that era, as this album clearly demonstrates. It's not the only music that Stephanie enjoys, having also made a name for herself as a top songwriter in Nashville, writing songs for top stars such as Garth Brooks and Martina McBride. Stephanie also recorded an album for a major label in Nashville but it didn't do much business so she decided she was going to record and promote her music independently, allowing her to record exactly what she wanted.
This album was the first of her independent albums and it has absolutely nothing to do with country music. This music has much more in common with Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald. There are seven oldies from the Great American Songbook including Taking a chance on love, What a little moonlight can do and He's funny that way, together with four songs that Stephanie wrote in a similar style - There's a springtime feeling in my heart, Yellow moon, Yours and Big sky bounce.
Stephanie not only sings but also plays the fiddle. The other instruments used are piano, guitars, tenor sax, clarinet, trumpet, bass and drums. The music swings along nicely and Stephanie is in fine voice.
If you enjoy the music of the forties, give this a listen. If you enjoy this album you may wish to buy more of Stephanie's music but be warned - her tastes are eclectic like mine. One of her other albums (untitled) is a mainstream country album. Another (River of no return) is a western-themed album. So be sure of what you are buying. If you like good music in whatever style, you can't go wrong with Stephanie's music."
One of my favorites
Jeff Tucker | Plantation, Florida | 12/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had never heard of Stephanie Davis until I heard her perform "Springtime in My Heart" on "A Prarie Home Companion". I thought the song was great so I ordered the CD through Amazon.com. It is now one of my favorite CD's. I listen to it all the time. She has a terrific voice that reminds me a little of Billy Holiday. Not only are the vocals wonderful but the dixie land style band is phenominal. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to hear an exciting new talent."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1