If you can remember when John Mellencamp was good and the Black Crowes brought a new sound, you'll find "Penny Brown Penny" a delectable offering. North Carolina vis a vis New York native Doug Davis has had a long history in the power pop band playground and quite a bit of cache as a recorder and producer in his own right. Having worked with numerous artists as a producer, songwriter and even recording Daughtry's band before American Idol got a hold of him... Davis knew his way around a stage and a sound board but hadn't explored the arena of doing what he knows best for his own work.
After spending time as one of the anchors in the NC music scene for the past few years Davis finally decided to record his own debut cd and it is about time.
The result is eleven songs that span three or four genres easily and capably... folk, blues, rootsy rock all with chunky, chewable lyrics and near flawless execution. Perhaps the biggest demonstration of the cd’s solid-ness is that while “Penny Brown Penny” is self produced and a largely self performed cd it manages to avoid sounding like it misses the punch which is yet another testament to Davis's talent.
While the cd is thankfully void of any filler, the keynote track is #7 "Missed My Connection" which truly demonstrates what Davis can do when he lets loose and dives into his blues rock self.
As a debut this cd has enough depth to make you ask, "so when can I have some more?"
4.5 Stars
