David Davenport released The Big Machine in 2003. The singer/songwriter/musician makes some valid points in his music. Davenport is not a religious man, he is spiritual, and he has some strong convictions for equal rights for all human beings regardless of race, creed or religion. You will hear those beliefs and feelings ring out clear and true throughout this release.
The machine the artist refers to is government, prejudice, and those guilty for practicing hate-filled ways of deception. He suggest that once negativity gathers a head of steam and everyone joins in for the ride it’s like a raging locomotive coming down the line, you simply cannot stop it.
The title track is perhaps the most prolific with words like “Don’t talk down to me, cuz you know, I‘ve already seen, and I don’t trust The Big Machine, no no don’t talk down to me.” That phrase alone said it all for me, it hit me right where it counts, and I instantly knew the broad scope of subjects he was covering with those words. David’s vocal style is soothing yet convincing, you know with absolution that he means every word he is singing.
Beyond the lyrics that hold meaning, the music is exceptional. David primarily plays the piano and organ but occasionally picks up the six-string and wails away, like on the rolling roots rocker “Hurt.” For a guy that dabbles with the frets he gets some good action. His counterpart Tom Wayne deserves the nod for a stellar performance with the electric guitar (tracks 1,2,4,5,) and some tasteful acoustic picking (tracks 1,2,3,5,6,9). All the contributors deserve plenty of credit for making David’s musical stories come to life.
If you enjoy sincere lyrics, roots rock with an AC feel but with enough oomph and guts comparative to a Dave Matthews song, this CD is your road to reckoning.
February 1, 2008
