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 British
singer-songwriter David Lewis's well-received first CD 'No Straight Line'
was issued in 1995 on the now defunct Austin-based Dejadisc label. Containing
songs written and performed with a 1970s British contemporary folk feel
(Nick Drake, Al Stewart, Sandy Denny) the album was produced by John Wesley
Harding and Scott Mathews and featured Peter Buck from R.E.M. on mandolin.
(Read the reviews below.)
David Lewis's second CD 'For Now' was released by Appleseed Recordings in October 2001. The album, again produced by John Wesley Harding (this time with Chris von Sneidern), was recorded in San Francisco and contains eleven new songs (including one cover version, Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky'). Moving closer to folk-rock than the first collection, several tracks feature a full band with Chuck Prophet on electric guitar and Al Stewart himself sings harmonies on 'You Don't Know'. (Read the reviews below.)
A third album, 'Ghost Rhymes' was released in late 2007. photo : Jan Hofheiz |
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Tours and Gigs The release of For Now was promoted by a tour of the US (September to December 2001) supporting John Wesley Harding, with Robert Lloyd accompanying on accordion and mandolin (See the tour photos, by Robert Lloyd). Since then, gigs have been mainly in the London area and since 2005, David has teamed up regularly with singer-songwriter Bob Collum for shows at venues that have included the Green Note Cafe, the 12 Bar Club and The Plough, Walthamstow. In June 2006, David played a show somewhat further afield at the Penguin Cafe, Manila, The Philippines (below, with Roger Pullin and Sammy Asuncion).
photo: Jay Maclean
Performing Songwriter (March/April 2008) Raised in the U.K., he sowed his ambitions—and associations—in San Francisco. “This third CD is the product of great working relationships and friendships,” he explains. “We’re all busy people, living at different ends of the world, and I have a full-time job teaching at a university, so we tend to record whenever the planets align. That’s why it takes about five years to make a CD.” Fortunately, being haunted by this Ghost was worth the wait." Lee Zuckerman
Maverick (June 2008) "As soon as I started listening to this fine release I was instantly reminded of artists such as Al Stewart, Donovan, Nick Drake etc. That was my time, the time I started to listen to serious music and GHOST RHYMES took me straight back to that period in my life. This really is a lovely album; co-produced by long-time collaborator John Wesley Harding the album contains thirteen new songs (three co-written with Harding) and is an aural pleasure from start to finish. Something Real, the opening track sets the tone for the rest of the album, gentle acoustic guitar and percussion backing the lovely soft vocal delivery of David Lewis. Classic British folk-rock best describes the second track Water From The Well a track with a slightly harder edge, organ, drums and electric guitar courtesy of John Wesley Harding, yet still retaining that, oh so soft vocal. Favourite track for me is the title track, Ghost Rhyme is stunning, just keyboards and guitar backing David on this one, gentle finger picked guitar only go to accentuate the simple and pure sound that flows through the whole release and lyrics that will bring a tear to the eye. In fact this album was quite an emotional affair for me, it brought back many happy memories of when I was looking for a musical genre to pick up on as a teenager. There simply is not enough space for me to comment on every track, suffice to say that the more you listen to superb tracks such as Hidden Heart, Tricks With Time and Waterwheel the more you will learn to love this fine release. The CD also includes a recording of the old Welsh song Mochyn Du (here called The Black Pig), David only finding information about this old song quite recently after going through some old family papers. It turned out that David’s great-grandfather John Owen was a North Pembrokeshire bard during the late 19th century and wrote this song after a disgruntled neighbouring farm worker asked Owen to compose something to mock his unjust boss. This mandolin led track is pure folk rock with a comic twist in the lyrics, a great drinking song. Final track Lullaby quite simply is as the title suggests, a simple song highlighting the superb voice of David Lewis. This is an album I shall go back to more than a few times, in a word, exquisite." JHS
CD Now, 21 December 2001 "Five years have passed since the release of British singer-songwriter David Lewis' critically-hailed, now out-of-print debut album, but the material accumulated during the intervening years has at last been assembled on For Now. Fellow British folk cult hero and longtime Lewis friend John Wesley Harding joins for such notable duets as the pleasantly sunny 'Old Dreams Fade Away', as well as 'Your Kind Of Madness' and 'Almost A Stranger,' which add a modern-day sensibility to traditionally-based folk melodies. (The album's sole cover is a duo version of Nick Drake's poignantly wrought 'Northern Sky', flavorfully accented by Harding, on twittering mandolin and droning pump organ.) Martial-styled percussion underscores the dramatic folk-pop melody 'Let The Sunlight Dry Your Tears', while soft guitar sounds and Robert Lloyd's warm accordion frame the serene, acoustic melody of 'You Don't Have To Lose.' Lewis' vocal resemblance to Scottish pop veteran Al Stewart emerges on such songs as 'Ramadan Moon,' which is adorned with wiry electric blues licks from Chuck Prophet, and also on 'The Rain Stops Everything', an expertly-crafted folk-rocking number that makes clever use of backing vocals and Prophet's steely tones. And none other than Al Stewart himself adds harmony vocals on 'You Don't Know,' a glowing, yearning melody set amid pleasantly chiming acoustic guitars. Drew Wheeler - Senior Editor, Folk All Music Guide EXPERT REVIEW "David Lewis waited five years to follow up 1996's much-praised No Straight Line with For Now. Like the former, John Wesley Harding lends a hand by playing guitar and adding harmony. While acoustic instruments infused the earlier album, Lewis takes a more eclectic route this time around. A number of tracks - 'You Don't Have to Lose' and 'Almost a Stranger' - feature little more than guitar and background organ. Others - like 'Ramadan Moon' and 'The Rain Stops Everything' - utilize full band arrangements. While both styles work well, it is a bit jarring when a noisier track follows a quieter one (though this can be overcome by programming the track sequence differently). Lewis' pleasing vocals remind one of Al Stewart, which makes it appropriate that Stewart joins him for some fine harmony on 'You Don't Know.' Mandolin and accordion player Robert Lloyd adds a number of nice flourishes, while Chuck Prophet throws in a bit of energetic electric guitar. Perhaps the most effective track on the album is 'Let the Sunlight Dry Your Tears,' a lovely song that uses a fuller arrangement without electric instruments. The big sound, with Spanish guitar and trumpet, offers atmosphere to spare, much like the acoustic folk-rock of late-'60s groups like Pentangle. A listener also wouldn't want to miss a good version of Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky.' For Now finds Lewis growing into new forms, offering fans a broader brand of folk than his first outing." Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr. Sing Out, Spring 2002 "Co-produced by John Wesley Harding, this is a gentle sounding album. Lewis, though, has a hardy and tough spirit. In his ten songs, images of journeys and nature abound. The one cover is a lovely go at Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky'. His voice reminiscent of Al Stewart, David Lewis is a writer and singer worth getting to know." Michael Tearson Classic Rock, April 2002 "Shut away in his 60s folk bubble, surrounded by his Ralph McTell and Al Stewart records, David Lewis needs to get out more. †In fact he went all the way to San Francisco to record this album with John Wesley Harding. Unfortunately, Harding is equally enamoured with the bubble, and recreates a West Coast version for Lewis to crawl back into. Only Green On Red renegade Chuck Prophet is prepared to prick the bubble with some acerbic electric guitar, but ultimately he sounds more like a novelty amid the pristinely plucked acoustic guitars and Lewis's rather fey vocals. Mind you, if quiet really is the new loud (or was that last week?), then Lewis could be the new folk hero. After all he has the substance to go with the style - unlike all those Scandinavian wannabes. His cover of Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky' provies that his understanding of the style runs deep, and several of his own songs - 'Ramadan Moon', 'Your Kind of Madness', 'Too Much Love' - stand comparison with the bygone classics. Al Stewart even shows up on 'You Don't Know'." Hugh Fielder Net Rhythms
April 2002 The engaging frailty and slightly fey timbre of Lewis' voice is reminiscent of Al Stewart (who provides backing vocals on 'You Don't Know'). Without being derivative he nods to Stewart elsewhere, notably in the Spanish feel and trumpet of 'Let the Sunlight Dry Your Tears', reminiscent of 'On the Border'. There is a brave cover of Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky' on which Lewis manages to stamp his own character and it is a testament to the quality of his song-writing that this does not seem out of place. Elsewhere there are hints of English folksong and the late 60's London scene playing of Bert Jansch et al. Lyrically there is a directness and an almost naive simplicity without cliché. Words are clearly important to Lewis but pretension or complex wordplay are shunned in favour of effective communication. Three songs are co-penned with long-time collaborator John Wesley Harding who also provides vocals, guitar, organ and mandolin. The other significant voice is former Green on Red member Chuck Prophet who contributes a variety of tasteful chiming, shimmering & bowed electric guitar textures. The album has a good variety of feels resulting largely from a mix of simple and full arrangements. The original plan was to build gradually from voice to full band as the album progressed. From the relatively spartan acoustic guitar, lightly dressed with minimal backing vocals and piano in 'Your Kind of Madness' to the lively full band 'The Rain Stops Everything' or the 'People get Ready' style vamp of 'Weary Traveller' the production by Harding & Scott Matthews retains an open, nicely unpolished feel. Somehow the overall package gives the feeling of a 'old friend', an album rediscovered after languishing in the depths of the record collection for a number of years." James Hibbins BBC Radio 2 website, June 2002 "Boasting a musical back-line of west coast luminaries including Chuck Prophet and Chris Von Sneidern, this second disc from London academic Lewis is straight out of 1969. It is wrapped in a late sixties, early seventies Al Stewart/Cat Stevens ambience that slightly detracts on first listen from the obvious songwriting strengths. With titles like 'Ramadan Moon' and 'Too Much Love' you'd be forgiven for thinking that Mr Lewis had been at the patchouli oil and incense sticks a bit too much. However, a closer listen reveals some genuine affection not just for that era but for a certain gentle aspect of the British folk scene, hence the gloriously mellow take on Nick Drake's 'Northern Sky'. At times the mellowness becomes a bit cloying in a Donovan-like way - all flowers and moons rather than Universal Soldier - but the backing is strong and moves with his gentle voice, showcasing its charm. Chuck Prophet adds masterful guitar throughout and long-time friend John Wesley Harding is a sympathetic backing singer. Indeed, Lewis already has credits for a couple of strong songs on JWH discs. It may be that it's Lewis's friendship/influence that led to the outstanding Trad. Arr. Jones disc from Harding recently. 'Your Kind of Madness' is lovely - a Lewis/Harding duet that sounds like an Elektra Records out-take. Best track is 'The Rain Stops Everything', which strays into pop group The Go-betweens territory. All in all a fine effort if not quite a groundbreaking release and if - as the fashion pundits claim - this is the third Summer of Love then this is the perfect soundtrack." Shaun Belcher Dirty Linen #104 Feb/Mar 2003 "After a five-year hiatus, David Lewis has released For Now, a followup to his critically acclaimed No Straight Line. As with his debut, John Wesley Harding co-produces and joins in on a variety of instruments. While both are former Cambridge University classmates, Lewis continues to work in academia, lecturing at the London School of Economics. That and Harding's own career are the main reasons for the gap between albums. Along with Harding, former Green on Red leader and guitarist Chuck Prophet adds the odd electric flourish to the relatively acoustic For Now. Vocally "soft" sounding, somewhat like Leon Rosselson and not unlike Nick Drake's work, Lewis also pays homage to the late Drake with his rendition of 'Northern Sky.' A tasteful and satisfying album. For those who appreciate British folk-rock, Lewis' For Now should find a happy home in their music library. (PH) (Pieter Hofmann of Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada.) What the critics said about No Straight Line Sing Out! - The Folk Song Magazine " David Lewis has written songs with John Wesley Harding such as 'The Red Rose and the Briar' and 'Ordinary Weekend'. Now comes his first recording as a solo artist, produced by Harding and Scott Mathews, who laid down rich acoustic beds of strings, percussion and pump organ, wisely choosing the less-is-more approach in the arrangements. Robert Lloyd - an especially creative musician who tours with Harding, Carlene Carter, Steve Wynn and others - provides mandolin, violins, accordion and unexplained 'atmospherics' on several of the tracks. How these atmospherics were created is unclear, but they are effective, setting up some interesting spooky textures under songs like 'Calm Before the Storm' and 'Under the Same Moon'. Lewis, who has a gentle voice that falls somewhere between a young Mick Jagger and Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, explained his choice of album title by saying these songs '...are about the lines drawn by human hands, lines which link cities on the great maps ... Sometimes we pass each other with barely a wave of acknowledgement, other times we hit strange chords in combination." All Music Guide " Very folky singer-songwriter co-produced by John Wesley Harding and Scott Mathews - a team that provides a quirky aspect to the overall product. Lewis's songs are often of the jingle-jangle nature, sung in a very pleasant voice, with just enough rough edges scattered here and there to make it stick in the mental jukebox. Personable folk, with the caveat that the pleasant melodies may override the lyrical content at times -- which means repeated and serious listening is required. " The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas "Singer and songwriter David Lewis continues the fine English tradition of delivering an arresting set of traditional and contemporary folk on debut 'No Straight Line'. Co-produced by John Wesley Harding and Scott Mathews, this 12-song, 47 minute collection offers a vaguely psychedelic folk sunset with standards like opener 'Due South', the Celtic charm of 'Open Smile', enhanced by Mathews' light bongo and Robert Lloyd's violin, the dreamy 'Out with the Tide', the spare George Harrison sound of 'The End of Something', featuring a vocal duet with Harding, and the exotic 'Calm Before the Storm'. Adding further credibility to this new artist's resume is the appearance of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, who plays the mandolin on the traditional Gaelic folk of 'Slowly Fading Evening Sky'. There's also a cut 'Under Same Moon', which has Harding playing gut string guitar, and the enchanting richness of 'Jealousy's Antiques'. Lewis is truly an artist to keep an eye on." Dirty Linen "David Lewis is a teacher at the London School of Economics who, with the help of his friend John Wesley Harding, has released a first album for a label that has, up this time, been known for its commitment to artists from Austin, Texas. Harding plays on the album and also co-produces with Scott Mathews. Lewis is not an especially compelling singer but his delicate, moody songs are quite effective and evocative in portraying vulnerable people in a world of sharp contrasts and transitions. The instrumentation is kept basic but there are many pleasant flourishes by the producers and by a few guests, such as Peter Buck adding mandolin on one song. This is very much in the early 70s folk genre and Lewis follows in the footsteps of such singers as Robin Williamson, Keith Christmas and Al Stewart." REM News "Peter Buck plays mandolin on a track called 'Slowly Fading Evening Sky' on David Lewis's debut album No Straight Line. David, a singer-songwriter from England, has previously worked and written songs with John Wesley Harding. Of No Straight Line, Peter comments: 'I really recommend it. It's a modern folk record in the vein of Nick Drake'." Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange "Here are two ways an album can become my favorite. Either it has something tremendously worthwhile to say or it is very pleasant to live with. This one has both qualities. Enjoy it as an intellectual experience or as pleasant background. Either way, it'll be one you'll play many more times than once." |
