Emotion, poise, voice and total immersion into the art of
song writing, David Ramirez cuts the real deal figure of a guy destined to live
by the means of the potent original song. Sweating out the passion of his deep
rooted feelings via the medium of song took on both a literal and figurative
sense at Tingewick Village Hall this evening. Maybe the heat was designed to
replicate his Texas home, yet there was so much intensity in David’s performance
there was little chance of a cooling impact on the audience. This was a performance
hardened by the road, raucous joints and someone seemingly seeking solace in
the wealth of their craft. Commercially and structurally, some will call this
folk or Americana music; the reality sits with the bulging need of expressing feelings
and finding out that you are rather good at this singer-songwriter game.
The music of David Ramirez came to me from a multitude of
directions since the turn of year. First of all seeing this unknown name
supporting Angaleena Presley on her UK tour, getting respected recommendations
from folks who caught him live and then ultimately buying his music after
several sample listens on specialist radio and online music shows. The sound of
David Ramirez, and the comparison with many iconic Texas singer-songwriters
exporting their wares from the Lone Star State, gives you a little grounding
before seeing his shows, but the live presence lifts this experience to a
higher plane.
Apart from being an exceptional record, FABLES turns out to
be a very personal set of songs and this comes across in their presentation. To
me ‘Harder to Lie’ is the standout
moment on the album and the live version helped further embed the track as one
of the songs of the year. Although the record made its US debut in August last
year, the January UK release should see it get plenty of love with those never
ending seasonal lists in a few months. Several
other top notch tracks from the album were shared with the audience this
evening including ‘Communion’, ‘Rock
& a Hard Place’, ‘New Way of Living’ and ‘It Ain’t Easy’.
Away from the new album, the tracks were largely unfamiliar,
while still retaining a high level of intense interest. ‘Wandering Man’, from the ROOSTER EP possessed a memorable hook,
while ‘The Forgiven’ was prefaced by
an engaging story which brought the song to life. Likewise ‘Stone’ from the RAW EP lodged in the
memory with a positive effect. For the encore, David chose to cover the Ryan
Adams song ‘A Kiss Before I Go’,
politely asking the audience if they minded somebody else’s song after
listening to nearly an hour and half of originals.
While on the subject of crowd interaction, it was another
case of an American artist slightly fazed by a silent but 100% respectful UK
listening audience. However he adjusted positively and expressed gratitude to
an environment surely welcomed by every singer-songwriter. The evening was
concluded by David commenting on his forthcoming plans to make a new record and
to definitely return to our shores next year. Hopefully, funds permitting, with
a band. One thing for sure, with or without a band, David Ramirez will continue
to impress many music fans who cross his path and are totally engrossed in the
way he musically conveys the wisdom of his dedicated art.
For this super evening presented by the ever popular team at
Empty Rooms Promotions, young up and coming English singer-songwriter Hannah
Scott opened up proceedings with a confident set of beautifully sung songs. She
was not afraid to give an insight to her songs and reveal the family relevance
especially in compositions such as ‘My
Dad and I’ and linking the creative side to depression. More and more young
home grown singer-songwriters are getting the opportunity to open for the
established thoroughbred touring artists from the States. The standard does
appear to be increasing and Hannah played her part in this perception.
There does seem to be a buzz about David Ramirez in this
country at the moment and he fits the mould of what many fans over here want in
the shape of key high class American song writers who can span the spectrum
from country to folk with a strong presence. Maybe he is just being true to his
instincts and desires, but he can be proud that the music is connecting with an
increasing number of fans. FABLES and this show have totally marked my card on
the talent of David Ramirez.
www,davidramirezmusic.com