Song Premiere: Ben Davis Jr’s “Line Boat Blues” Feat. David Childers →

"This rockin’ number will grab you from the first measure with its two-step riverboat shuffle on this early taste of Suthernahia. Suthernahia is solid rootsy southern rock ‘n roll, the kind of album that you’ll want to listen to all the way through — and then you’ll put it on repeat. To top it off, fans of David Childers will appreciate the cameo." - Melissa Clarke - Americana Highways

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"Suthernahia" Review by Don Crow of The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance. →

I THINK YOU SHOULD–CAN’T GET ENOUGH–IF YOU EVER WILL–PORCHLIGHT–JUST LET ME IN–SUNDAY MORNING–RAMBLIN BLUES–(I’M DOING) FINE GIRL–LINE BOAT BLUES (FEAT. DAVID CHILDERS)–CARLY

Singer-songwriter Ben Davis, Jr., was born amidst the hills and hollers of southern Ohio, and he has already elicited comparisons to the likes of Todd Snider, Steve Earle, and David Childers (who appears herein).  That Ohio homeland serves as the backdrop for his latest set, ten originals that comprise “Suthernahhia.”  Produced by Eddie Ashworth at The Oxide Shed in Athens, Ohio, Ben is the vocalist, with superb backing from The Revelry–Erik Miller on drums, Levi Westfall on bass, Ben Ervin on guitar, and Eddie Ashworth doubling down on keys.

Virtually all these songs deal with love and relationships, with our hero, sadly, often on the outside looking in.  The set opens with Ben calling out an immature lover unwilling to accept her responsibilities as an adult, “I Think You Should.”  A jumpin’, bluesed-up cut finds our hero “headed west” to see a lover in the throes of an abusive relationship, even tho he’s “the other man,” and just “Can’t Get Enough” of her.  That abusive relationship cycle continues with the somber reach-out to another survivor, “Just Let Me In.”  “Sunday Morning” is set over a lively arrangement, even tho our hero is mourning the loss of a lover  thru an act of violence predicated by those “Johnson brothers.”  The set closes on a similar, tragic note, as “Carly” traces high school sweethearts, she in her “Chuck Tay’s” on the way to Junior Prom with him.  Alas, he falls for the drink, and she, for the needle, as her life ends much too soon, leaving him to ponder, “Carly, will I ever see you again?”

Folks, let’s head on down to the bar–you know the one, behind the stoplight.  Let’s order a round of Jack and Cokes, sing a chorus of “Don’t Think Twice,” and raise a glass to one of Americana’s brightest young artists, Ben Davis, Jr., and “Suthernahia.”  Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.

Track Premiere: Ben Davis Jr. and The Revelry - "I Think You Should" →

With their recent single, “I Think You Should,” they create an alt-country charger that recalls the late-‘80s country fervor of “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle. There’s a definite polish to the track, but it doesn’t forgo the necessary grit and earnestness which is necessary to make it so compelling. Davis’ voice is omnipresent and acts to guide the music down endless deserted highways while nursing countless bruised hearts. The band’s flawless dynamic allows the song’s rurality to evolve and build without restraint, growing in intensity until it threatens to overwhelm your senses – which isn’t actually such a bad thing.

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SONG PREMIERE: BEN DAVIS JR. SHOWS SONGWRITING CHOPS WITH ALT-COUNTRY BALLAD “JUST LET ME IN” →

At the crossroads of the cosmic stylings of The Grateful Dead and the vulnerable sonic truths of Todd Snider lies Ben Davis Jr., a genre-defying songwriter with a psychedelic-alt. country four-piece brewed in the creative pressure cooker of Appalachian Ohio.

Before the Revelry, there was Ben Davis Jr. performing solo all over the Mid-Ohio Valley. It was Davis’ authentic performances all along the banks of the Ohio River that landed him a spot on the 2014 Nelsonville Music Festival bill after his first release, “The Day After Payday”.

Shortly after sharing the 2014 NMF bill with the likes of The Avett Brothers and Jason Isbell, Davis met fabled producer and musician Eddie Ashworth (Great White, Sublime, Qiet) while playing a gig in Athens, OH. That fortuitous meeting led to Ashworth recording and producing Davis’ 2016 EP,Leaving Cincinnati.

Fast forward several years, many gigs, and considerable periodic disillusionment with the music industry, and Ben Davis Jr. has refined and transformed his musical vision into something entirely new. He is now joined by The Revelry: Ashworth on wurlitzer and mandolin, Ben Ervin on lead guitar, Levi Westfall on bass, and Erik Miller on drums.

The Revelry is finishing up work on a new full-length, Suthernahia which features the leading single “Just Let Me In.” The song is a wistful cry for affection conveyed by poignant wurtlizer, atmospheric guitar work from Ervin, and Davis’ candid lyricism. The forthcoming album, due out June 22nd, promises to be Davis’ most potent, honest creation to date.

Today Glide is excited to premiere “Just Let Me In”. With its melancholy twang, the song is a heartfelt piece of alt-country that feels almost anthemic. Davis shows his impressive songwriting chops too as he channels troubadours like Todd Snider, David Childers, and Steve Earle. The song itself is a hopeful ode to love lost and (perhaps) someday found, weaving an impressionistic mix of echo-laden electric guitar, Wurlitzer piano, steel guitar, flowing rhythms, and yearning vocals to frame this understated yet unforgettable ballad. 

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Ben Davis Jr. plays Ravenswood tonight! →

Ben Davis Jr. will rock Music at the Mac tonight at The McIntosh House (Ravenswood Community Building).

There is a happy hour from 6-7 p.m. (BYOB) and the music is from 7-9 p.m. The venue is located at 300 Henrietta St. next to the NYA Hall.

According to Davis’ bio, at the crossroads of the cosmic stylings of The Grateful Dead and the vulnerable sonic truths of Todd Snider lies Ben Davis Jr. and the Revelry – a genre-defying psychedelic fivesome brewed in the creative pressure cooker of Appalachian Ohio.

Before Ben Davis Jr. and the Revelry, there was Ben Davis Jr. performing at the Court Street Grill. It was Davis’ authentic performances at that respected rock ‘n’ roll establishment on the banks of the Ohio River that landed him a spot on the 2014 Nelsonville Music Festival bill after only one release, the self-produced “Day After Payday,” according to Davis’ bio.

Shortly after sharing the 2014 NMF bill with the likes of The Avett Brothers and Dinosaur Jr., Davis met fabled producer and musician Eddie Ashworth (Great White, Sublime, John Stewart formerly of The Kingston Trio) while playing a gig in Athens, Ohio. That fortuitous meeting led to Ashworth recording and producing Davis’ 2016 EP, Leaving Cincinnati.

Fast forward several years, many gigs, and considerable periodic disillusionment with the music industry, and Ben Davis Jr. has refined and transformed his musical vision into something entirely new. He is now joined by The Revelry: Ashworth on wurlitzer and mandolin, Ben Ervin on lead guitar, Levi Westfall on bass, and Erik Miller on drums.

The Revelry is finishing up work on a new full-length, Suthernahia which features the leading single “Let Me In.” The song is a wistful cry for affection conveyed by poignant wurtlizer, atmospheric guitar work from Ervin, and Davis’ candid lyricism. The forthcoming album, due out later this year, promises to be Davis’ most potent creation, honest creation to date