Photo Credit: Steve RobertsAllow me to introduce you to someone who I have been loving since the late 90's, when he was with a band called the RiverBluff Clan. Someone who is so steeped in all the flavors of the Memphis music tradition, that he is the five time recipient of "Premier Male Vocalist" by the Memphis Chapter of NARAS. His has been a genre bending romp through bluegrass, country and country-tinged rock. Jimmy Davis put out his first solo effort in 2004, and he stays busy, touring incessantly, and contributing to other artist's CD's, too; including background vocals on the Grammy-nominated record from the North Mississippi Allstars, Electric Blue Watermelon, as well as their new one, Hernando. His work with that family dates back to helping out on their pop's (Jim Dickinson) 2006 release, Jungle Jim and the VooDoo Tiger plus Killers From Space. In addition, he sang on William Lee Ellis' record God’s Tattoo, and provided all the backing vocals for Keith Sykes’ record, Let It Roll. The Reba Russell Band album Broke Down But Not Out features Jimmy's vocals and guitar playing as well as his song, "Sister Friend." He contributed vocals, guitar, as well as a cover of "Waiting in the Wings" to Jed and Kelley's CD Songs To Take Home. The really cool thing about all of this is that it could serve as a great point of reference into these artists' music, all of whom are worthy too.
I am so happy that Jimmy comes to Texas frequently, 'cause I get to see him more. I am delighted that he plays with Walt Wilkins and The Mystiqueros a bunch...that just seems right, and makes for a great night of music. He is on tour this summer doing festivals and gigs. Hope you get to see him! He has powerful pipes, that is for sure. He blew us away as the sun went down in Memphis during Folk Alliance in February. From the Music Fog bus here is "Sanctuary."
- Jessie Scott
