Scott D. Davis
Scott D. Davis
Scott D. Davis: Reviews
Rockfluence
Scott D. Davis
2005 / Scovis Music Productions
61’47”
Pianist/composer Scott D. Davis has been referred to as “the rocker of new age/contemporary classical music” for a couple of years now. When fellow pianist/composer David Nevue introduced Davis as such at a Whisperings Solo Piano Radio concert something resonated within him. He had been urged for years to record an album of recognizable cover music, but he resisted, preferring to record his own original material. Somehow, Nevue’s introduction freed Davis to return to the music that helped shape his energetic performing style and to create solo piano arrangements of some of his favorites. It’s a wide-ranging collection spanning thirty-two years of rock and metal music from 1971’s “Stairway to Heaven” (Led Zeppelin) to 2003’s “My Immortal” (Evanescence). Davis stays true to the spirit of the originals, and yet makes them his own. Actually, there is one piece on the album that is newer than 2003 - Davis’ own “Scherzo.” Most of the twelve tracks are intense and rather dark - no bubble-gum teeny-bopper stuff here - so it’s obviously geared for a more mature audience. Even though I can remember just some of the words to the oldies that I grew up with and wasn’t familiar with the more recent hits, I thoroughly enjoy this album. There should be at least one song here that just about anyone can say, “Oooh! I love that song!”
“Rockfluence” opens with “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, a song full of rock-style tenderness and love. “Hotel California” is given a full almost-eight minute treatment that is very true to the original. “My Immortal” by Evanescence is a quieter slow-dance ballad that Davis fills with passion. “Nothing Else Matters” from Metallica is dark and very intense - a beautiful arrangement! I couldn’t quite imagine “Stairway to Heaven” as a piano solo, but it works well! I really like the mystery and drive of “Wanted Dead or Alive” from Bon Jovi. “Open Arms” from Journey is one of my favorite songs from the early ‘80’s, and Davis keeps it warm and loving - also a great arrangement! Another favorite is Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” a powerful, emotionally charged song with a gorgeous melody. Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” really rocks, leading up to the closing track, Davis’ own “Scherzo,” a musical term that means “joke.” I first heard this impressive piece in a live setting, and it really makes people sit up and take notice! Davis’ fingers fly all over the piano with the various themes of the piece, which range from slow and almost sedate to a wild and crazy romp that makes me think of chase scenes in old movies. “Scherzo” clearly demonstrates Scott Davis’ playing chops as well as his musical sense of humor. Fun!
“Rockfluence” is truly a musical good time, showing what these rock classics sound like stripped down to one instrument and no vocals. Good stuff! It is available from www.inspiringpiano.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com.
Winter Journey CD
Scott D. Davis
2004
57:08
“Winter Journey” is a collection of twelve piano solos comprised of three original pieces and nine arrangements of traditional Christmas songs. Scott D. Davis brings a lot of energy to his music (especially when performing live!), so some of these pieces are bigger and more upbeat while others are peaceful and serene.
The CD opens with the title tune, a lively piece full of excitement and anticipation. Several themes weave in and out, telling about different parts of the journey - a great piece! The closing notes melt right into a lovely arrangement of “Away In a Manger. I always think of this as a children’s piece, and Davis keeps the arrangement innocent and fairly simple. I really like what he does with the left hand broken chords. “We Three Kings” is a piece that stands up to many different approaches and stylings. Davis’ arrangement is a theme and variations, which works well. His arrangement of “Greensleeves” is based in part on “Tahoma” from his previous CD of the same name - very peaceful with an underlying energy. When I first heard “Carol of the Bells,” I thought it sounded a lot like George Winston’s arrangement, and it is, indeed (used with permission). Scott did a fine job with it, too! (I wonder if he took his shoes off to perform it!) “Snowprints” is the second of the original pieces, and it’s a beauty. The left hand summons a feeling of bitter cold with a repeated minor key pattern while the right hand sparkles like light dancing off the snow. I really love this piece and the atmosphere it creates. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” also does well with a variety of treatments. At more than seven minutes, Davis takes the song in several directions, keeping the melody intact and maintaining a haunting quality - a great arrangement! I also really like what Davis does with “Coventry Carol,” an ancient melody that always sounds so sad. His arrangement of “Silent Night” is very different, beginning in a minor key and altering the melody to make it bittersweet. With each verse, the piece becomes more peaceful as it evolves into the major key and then back to the minor. Interesting and effective! The closing track is “O Come All Ye Faithful,” which begins traditionally, with a classical treatment. About a third of the way into the piece, Davis pulls out the stops. If you know his “Soul of the Storm,” this track will make you smile. With broken octaves in the left hand, the rest of the piece is full of energy and passion, summoning the faithful to come and rejoice. What a finish!
If you like Christmas music with a new sound and a fresh approach, I think you’ll really enjoy “Winter Journey.” It is available from www.InspiringPiano.com and cdbaby.com. Recommended!
Tahoma
Scott D. Davis
2003/Scovis Music Productions
58:30
"Tahoma” is pianist Scott D. Davis’ follow-up to “Piano and Woodwinds” (2001), and this time, the recording is all solo piano. A dynamic performer with rock roots, Davis’ two passions in life are hiking and the piano, so much of his musical inspiration comes from experiences outdoors. Five of the fourteen tracks are solo versions of pieces from his aforementioned release. Some of the tracks are very calm and “new agey” while others are very big and upbeat. Davis has flying fingers on the keyboard and plays with passion and vibrance. He played my piano at a Whisperings Solo Piano Radio concert this past July, and it was a joy to watch and hear him play some of the selections from this album. The audience loved him!
The album title comes from the Native American name for Mt. Rainier, and the cover photo is of this majestic mountain in Washington. My favorite track is the closing one, “Soul of the Storm,” which Davis performed to end his set at the Whisperings concert. He said that thunder storms can be scary and strangely beautiful, so he set out to write a piece that was kind of scary but strangely beautiful. He definitely succeeded with this piece, which is fast, flashy, and a real charge to listen to. I doubt that anyone would ever fall asleep to this one! “Positive Altitude” is about “the triumphant exhilaration of conquering a peak and enjoying the mountaintop experience.” The joy and thrill of that experience comes through clearly. “Dance In My Heart” and “Song In My Heart” are a fascinating juxtaposition in that they both use the same theme. The first piece is fast and flashy, and is about feeling silly, excited, and free enough to do a happy dance; the second is a soulful ballad full of romance and love. “A Simple Reflection” is also a beautiful, gently flowing piece played from the heart. “Swiftwater” has a strong energy but is also very graceful. “Grove of the Patriarchs” is much darker and more mysterious, and tells of walking through a grove of some of the tallest fir trees on earth. The title track is another favorite. Graceful and flowing, it elegantly describes what Davis calls one of the most beautiful places on earth.
“Tahoma” is a very enjoyable listening experience, and showcases many aspects of Scott D. Davis’ playing and composing style. The energy and joy in Davis’ music is very palpable, and I think he has a very successful future coming - especially as a live performer. “Tahoma” is available from www.InspiringPiano.com and cdbaby.com.