Those in the know are already informed of Davidson’s obvious talent and flare for great stories and tasteful arrangements. Gut-wrenching heartache Americana-style brings to mind shades of Hank Williams, but tracks like Margie’s Land channel Boss Springsteen’s Nebraska (or Devils & Dust). Stories about hard work on the prairies, watching crops, waiting for your sweetheart’s healing love and trucking up the Yellowhead Highway make this a distinctly Western Canadian old-time country/folk record. Recorded at the legendary home studio Beverland by the D.Rangers’ Jaxon Haldane, this disc is warm, crisp and rife with the local and travelling talent that frequents the West End studio. See Davidson this Friday, Oct. 2 at Le Garage Café and on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Academy.

Published in Volume 64, Number 5 of The Uniter (October 1, 2009)