Emily Davis

EWART SHAW
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,25146751-5018582,00.html

March 06, 2009 10:00am

SONGS of loss and longing may sound like a dutiful Fringe production about the grief process.

But trust me, Emily Davis and Clementine Ford have created from their own experiences of deaths in the family, and their excellent musical skills, an evening that proves that death sucks but laughter really helps you through. It is at times embarrassingly funny.

There are fine songs of their own, and others from Neil Young, Johnny Cash and the Mountain Goats, presented with the help of Mel Horsman on drums and Asher Reynolds on keyboard, and leavened with some wonderful touching and funny stories.

The letters to friends and the dead that are read out are beautifully created, and Clementine's Amy Winehouse anecdotes add something really special to the mix.

This show deserves every audience it can raise, and should tour widely. - The Advertiser

"Every musician dreams their first album will be embraced by punters and the press, and for Emily Davis, the dream came true. Her debut album Moving In Slow Motion, produced by Monique Brumby, has drawn strong reviews in The Sunday Telegraph and Scene Magazine as well as attracting the attention of Nova and ABC-Radio" - The Standard - Offbeat

"If one was to ignore their ears, what does your music smell, feel, look and taste like?
"It smells like Greek Coffee, it feels like soft round stones, it looks like a deserted highway with an open sky and a tree every 4 miles and it definitely tastes like potato." - Beat

"When asked about her '07 so far, Emily needs only one word to answer. "Big. Really Big," she laughs with just a hint of surprise, "It's been the year of my life so far." And with the release of her debut album starting to find a loyal following, it's not hard to see why she is so excited." - Forte Magazine

Emily Davis captures something in her music. It reminds me of sunrises over Byron Bay, morning fogs in the north east coast hinterland, the sun kissing your skin as you hit the road for that afternoon interstate road trip, sitting outside with some mates under the stars, drinking wine and philosophising until the sun comes up. Indeed, her new album, Moving in Slow Motion, would be a perfect accompaniment to any of these pastimes, and more.

Moving in Slow Motion starts off gradually. The first tracks, ‘Billboards’ and ‘If’, are introspective, beautifully composed and really set the mood for the album. Tracks three and four, ‘Anthems and Odes’ and ‘The Lie’, bring a more upbeat, fun vibe to the CD.

The songs are delivered with truth and beauty that echo moments from Wendy Matthews and Katie Noonan, and the production is so good I found it hard to believe that Emily Davis is, in fact, a home grown talent. Aye, she’s South Australian, and one of the best musicians in her genre that I have ever heard. She had help though. Moving in Slow Motion was produced by Monique Brumby, who also helped out with back-up vocals and guitars. Overall this album has definitely made its mark on me, and I just can’t wait to see how Emily Davis is live. - On Dit

"Produced by Monique Brumby, this singer/songwriter has come up with a stellar album. Davis has a beautiful voice, whose style resembles Sarah Blasko's sound with a little less pop. Perfect for a quiet Sunday afternoon with a good book and a glass of wine.” - Sunday Telegraph

Adelaide Fringe 07Special guests, ‘Nereeda’ (rock/funk) and the Emily Smart Band (pop/light rock), started the evening and showcased the talents of two highly capable, diverse original bands. Emily Davis & The Sunday Brides, fresh from their weekend gig at Womadelaide, played to a supportive and enthusiastic Wheatie crowd. Emily’s songs not only contain sensitive, well-constructed lyrics and catchy melodies but they are made even more pleasurable by her exquisite voice and charming stage presence. Her live performance exudes a grounded-ness and sincerity that is totally absorbing. Beautifully supported by the ‘Brides’ (Zac Kingston, Steve Pederson, Brian Ruiz and Mel Bonham), performances by this ego-free ensemble are an absolute delight. Visit www.emilydavis.com for gig updates or to purchase the debut CD, ‘Moving In Slow Motion’, a must for any lover of quality, original songs from the heart. - Adelaide Fringe

"Her album, Moving In Slow Motion, is a wonderous mixture of folk ditties and easy listeners. From the road tripping hum of 'Billboards' to the nicely paced groove of 'The Line', and the haunting stillness of 'Cold', Davis grabs your attention. Her vocals are delicate, smooth and capable. The gentle approach Davis has taken on the album, along with her stirring vocals means there are no hit and miss offerings here. Davis not only proves herself as one to watch but also shows that you don't need a major label behind you to record, produce, and deliver a stunning album." - Eleven Magazine

"Acoustic, raw simplicity and passion combine in the reflective story telling of Emily Davis' debut album, 'Moving in Slow Motion'. While the gentle tempo remains constant throughout, this never gets repetitious. With 'Restless in June', 'Particularly Beautiful' and the title track 'Moving in Slow Motion' all in the Triple J Unearthed charts, Davis is certainly one to follow over the coming year." - Scene

"There's a glut of talent in the girl-with-guitar-goes-singing talent pool at the moment. Jewel has much to answer for. Luckily, Emily Davis has talent in spades. The most striking feature of her debut CD is the assuredness in which she delivers her strong material. Some debuts succeed through raw originality of youthful enthusiasm. Davis scores with her glorious melodies and mature delivery, sometimes reminiscent of like-minded Adelaidians, Fruit. The arrangements are at turns sparse and lush, the sign of an artist who is deeply in touch with her work. This is a collection of beautiful songs that you will absorb as I have. We at Blaze love independent artists, and this is a top shelf example of why." - Blaze