By Tim Jaramillo
After much success as leader of the DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, DAVE MATTHEWS has finally decided that it's time to find out what kind of music he'd make on his own. Don't worry; he's not breaking up the band. According to Dave, "I can't imagine a time when my life doesn't revolve around the band, and I think that after making this album I'll have even more to offer as a member of DMB."
Dave began collecting material over the past year that he liked, but that didn't quite fit in with the group. As he worked with it, the music began taking on more personality, and he knew that eventually he had to release it. The finished result is the profoundly intimate collection of tracks that he calls Some Devil.
The first track, "Dodo" is a bright, lean tune with a snappy drum beat, subdued guitars, and on top of it all, Dave's airy voice. "So Damn Lucky" continues the free-flowing feel, with a rollicking rhythm and a refreshing amount of room for each instrument to breathe.
"Gravedigger" features guitarist TREY ANASTASIO (member of the legendary jam band PHISH). This macabre track is the first single off the album, and the lyrics are quite arresting: "Gravedigger, when you dig my grave/ Can you make it shallow/ So that I can feel the rain." Diehard DMB fans will recognize this song, as Dave has performed it acoustically at the band's live shows.
Trey shares writing credits with Dave on "Grey Blue Eyes," an introspective tune that rumbles along with the feel of dark clouds looming on the horizon. The funk is in full effect on "Save Me," with heavy bass riffs, tickling guitar licks and soulful vocal melodies. Dave also uses his voice as a delicate instrument on the tender love tune "Stay Or Leave," weaving together sweetly nostalgic melodies.
There's a breezy island feel on the jumpin' reggae tune "Up And Away," with its off-kilter organ trills and vibrato guitar fills. The album comes to an end with a very personal acoustic performance of "Gravedigger."
Dave's solo disc has the same general flavor as the Dave Matthews Band's music, but in this incarnation the frantic energy is toned down, allowing all the precious subtleties and nuances to be heard. Dave's mastery of the songwriting process is quite apparent in this stripped-down atmosphere.
Some Devil is in stores now!
1. Dodo
2. So Damn Lucky
3. Gravedigger
4. Some Devil
5. Grey Blue Eyes
6. Trouble
7. Save Me
8. Stay Or Leave
9. An' Another Thing
10. Oh
11. Baby
12. Up And Away
13. Too High
14. Gravedigger (Acoustic)
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