Hailing from Akron, Ohio, the genre-blending artist and singer-songwriter Davey Squires sets sail on a unique venture with the release of his 5-track EP, 'Sessions.'
Known for his hard-hitting piano rhythms and merging the sounds of jazz, rock, pop, and blues, Davey Squires is now ready to release his flavorful EP, 'Sessions.' Due to the pandemic, Squires took a trip back to the Akron Recording Company to record live sessions of the project on YouTube, which are now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Expanding on his latest EP, 'Sessions,' the project begins with the intro track, "It's Never." The tune starts on an upbeat and lively note through Davey Squires' exhilarating synth melodies, John Kline's thumping drum breaks, Alex Tortorella's exciting guitar strokes, and Ian McCartt's ever so groovy bass licks. Listening to Davey Squires' lyricism, he brings us into an empowering storyline of seeking life's positive aspects and leaving the negatives far in the past. We must also note that within Davey Squires' live YouTube performances, he leaves us feeling all the more refreshed through the bright smile on his face and innate passion for getting back on stage and swooning an audience once again.
Moving onto the project's second track, "Blue Spruce," the piece opens with a harmonious jazz arrangement through Tim Shilling's light percussion patterns, Cletus Stimpy's smooth-sailing tenor saxophone melodies, and Davey Squires' passionate piano playing. As Squires starts to belt his ballad-like lyricism, he tells a delicate story of devoting his passion to someone who makes his heart smile time and time again. We're more than pleased with this heartfelt ballad, as Davey Squires and his accompanying instrumentals sweeten our speakers in his unique tones and limitless desire. As we move towards the outro, Davey Squires holds our hand the entire way through while wearing his heart on his sparkling sleeve.
Reaching the project's halfway point with "Doin' The Dance," the song opens with a dreamy blues-like tone through John Kline's smooth drum patterns, Alex Tortorella's hazy electric guitar, and Ian McCartt's plucky bassline. Once Davey Squires beings vocalizing his many emotions through his unique stylings, he later lets us into a playful atmosphere that gets us up and grooving. We adore the blues/jazz appeal of this midway track, as it later expands into an upbeat rock tune while adding unique flairs to the project perfectly. Not to mention Davey Squires' electrifying keyboard/synth melodies, he closes the song off with incredible energy and vibrance.
Landing on the project's fourth track, "Reservoir," the tune opens with Justin Curry's dazzling violin melodies and Davey Squires' cinematic piano playing. We adore the addition of this delicate piece, as it makes for a breath of fresh air through each calming instrumental and Davey Squires' powerful vocal stylings. Elaborating on his lyricism, Squires tells a reminiscent story of a young girl struck with the memories of a past lover and their times together at the reservoir. What makes this track all the more compelling is Davey Squires' passionate and emotional delivery, as he describes this delicate story with the utmost heart and soul.
As we dive into the last track of the project, "The Western Mile," this upbeat tune opens with the energy and power of rock through John Kline's intense drum patterns, Ian McCartt's intriguing bass licks, Alex Tortorella's smooth rhythm guitar melodies, and Davey Squires' soulful piano playing. While Davey Squires begins belting his powerful vocals to hold onto, he brings us into an inner monologue type of story where he seeks redemption by traveling back to his roots and reminding himself why he began this venture in the first place. Truly a rejuvenating track, we can't get enough of Davey Squires and his accompanying band mates' soulful and passionate sounds.
All in all, we're always enamored by the versatile sounds of Davey Squires, and we're more than happy with the dynamic outcome of his recent EP, 'Sessions.' Now available on all digital streaming platforms.
We want to start by congratulating you on the release of your dynamic and powerful EP, 'Sessions.' When did you begin creating songs and ideas for the EP?
The idea for Sessions came out of not being able to play live shows during the pandemic. Livestreams were fine at first, but after a while, I wanted something I could come back and listen to again and again with great production and instrumentation. I decided that doing a live recorded EP of songs I have previously released would be a perfect idea.
Was there a specific theme or concept that ran throughout the entirety of your EP 'Sessions?' Or did each track bring a different story to the table?
There wasn’t necessarily a theme for the EP, but the songs featured were perfect for jamming out and taking some of those solo sections longer in the live setting we had.
What was it like recording your EP 'Sessions' alongside the various musicians for your live studio recording at Akron Recording Company?
After so much time away from doing any sort of live collaboration, it was such an invigorating time recording with those guys! Each of them brought their own musical ideas and experiences into the studio during those sessions and after two or three takes of each song, we got it down and did our thing. That was the special thing for me about recording these songs live. It got us together for something musical during this time of separation.
Is there a track within your EP 'Sessions' that you're most drawn to, and why?
In particular, I really love how “Doin’ The Dance” turned out. The way we extended the solo section from the original studio version (on my first LP Fiction) of the song turned out great. That is guitarist, Alex Tortorella and myself trading solos on the track.
During your live recording session at Akron Recording Company, we adore the power and passion you perform with. What do you miss most about performing live, and should we anticipate more live recording sessions like this in the future?
The number one aspect of performing live I miss most would have to be the performer to audience relationship. I never thought I would miss the sound of an audience clapping, but alas I DO! These live sessions have been a great project to work on during this time and I really hope to do more in the future with other released songs of mine. Doing these tracks has given me the chance to look back on my own work and reorchestrate some of my own songs in a live band setting which, for me has been both entertaining and exciting!