westernswingforum

[Rhythmwrangler]

One of Stephanie Davis' strengths as a performer is her preference for songs from different genres. Among the selections on this new CD are tunes from the '20s and '30s; Bob Wills; master songwriter Cindy Walker; and she and co-producer/arranger Rich O'Brien meld them into a collection that's not quite swing nor western, or even western swing, but something new--polished to an eye-blinding finish--something with a whole lot of bling.

Western Bling is one of two recent releases by Davis' Recluse Records label, and it lives up to its name by providing 11 bright-as-diamond tracks featuring her powerful vocals and a group of top-notch Texas-based musicians.

Listening with eyes closed, it's not difficult to imagine that you're in one of the ballrooms that dotted the southwest in the 1940s, watching the band on stage as spotlights switch between vocalist and solo musicians, while cowboys sashay their ladies around the dance floor. The music is impressive: rich and full of depth, as steel player Cindy Cashdollar, guitarists O'Brien and Clint Strong, and fiddler Reggie Reuffer work their magic in balance with Davis' perfect vocal styling.

Stephanie Davis may not release new material as often as her fans would like--every three months would be about right--but she never fails to provide solid value for your entertainment dollar. Highly recommended.

contents:

Talkin' 'Bout You
I Didn't Realize
Soon
Hubbin' It
Nevertheless
Beyond The Sea
Baby, That Sure Would Go Good
Slow Poke
If I Had You
The Best Things In Life Are Free
Goin' Away Party