Davis and Dow – Loverly
Released – January, 2009

Eleven tracks on this disc, from Julie Davis-Dow and Kelly Dow. She sings, he plays.

Guitar.

Husband and wife, making music since the mid 90s. Together, they’re aces. Ms. Davis-Dow has the nifty ability to sound like several of my favorite singers, but most often settles on (to my ears) a young Nancy Wilson, especially on the title track that opens the disc, from Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady.” (free download of this track here - 4.5MB)

I’m always intrigued by originals that sound classic. The duo’s “Dancing In The Sand,” inspired by Fats Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz,” falls into that category. Lyrics like, “Take my heart and lead me to that wonderland | While we are slowly dancing in the sand,” set to a compact bossa beat – had me adding this one in heavy rotation on the ‘pod.

The propaganda with the disc says Ms. Davis-Dow has won several South Florida reader’s polls as “Best Jazz Vocalist,” and the duo has won “Best Jazz Group” in those surveys, as well. Not surprised. She’s fearless in her approach to each track.  None are clunkers, and several are real winners – including surprising “gypsy swing” versions of the Beatle’s classic “Honey Pie,” and the Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman.”

I’ve received a ton of discs from singers who are married to (or clearly involved with) bass players. I don’t know what the attraction is.

I really don’t.

Speaking as an end-user, guitar players are clearly superior choices as partners, ladies. I don’t care how good they are, not every track needs a bass solo.  But if the guitar takes a turn or two (or three) – or ends up a little heavy in the mix – it’s okay, especially when they’re as talented as Mr. Dow.

Take a pointer from Peggy Lee.

Or Julie Davis.

Find yourself a good guitar player.

Sublime – and very highly recommended.

Website – MySpace – Facebook

(Photo of Julie Davis-Dow by Jasmina Meyer – www.jdmeyerphotography.com)

I am hooked on Craig Ferguson’s late-night show.  Usually, the late shows feature some new-music group that has me reaching for the remote and muttering the things my father used to say.  But not last night.  The group was Marina and the Diamonds – fronted by Marina Lambrini Diamandis, who is Welsh – but of Greek heritage.

I am smitten.

I probably liked the selection they performed, “I Am Not A Robot,” having heard it on BBC’s Radio One, to which I often listen while driving.  But I didn’t notice it until last night.

When it clicked.  And now that I’ve heard it, I must have it.  Just like the old Top-40 radio days.

Here’s the official video, but the clip from the show is probably viewable at tv.com.

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