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Victor Davies got a taste of fame with his eponymous album back in 2001 (featuring the brilliant ‘Sound Of The Samba’, ‘Better Place’ and ‘Runaway Train’ as mentioned previously when reviewing Equality).

Getting Bebel Gilberto on the bossa track is a nice touch but not as good as the cover of Jon Lucien’s ‘Would You Believe In Me’ with a big soulful brass section. The only other cover version on the album is the old Thin Lizzy / Phil Lynott track, ‘Don’t Believe A Word’. Not one of my favourites from their back catalogue but this is brilliant version. Yes, I’ll repeat that, it’s a brilliant solo effort from just Victor and guitar.

He’s touching on the Seu Jorge (especially on ‘Gold & Diamonds’), a little Steely Dan with the soul of a Terry Callier on a beach. If I was being overly critical, it’s too sugary at times though (see ‘If I Ruled The World’).

This is coming out in Europe in July but it’s out on Pony Canyon (DSP-01856) in Japan already and there’s a gig at the Jazz Cafe this week (with that man Servini on after-hour duties!)

Hectic Mix nomination: ‘Don’t Believe a Word’ (I can’t get over it either).

Victor Davies - Hear the Sound (V2/Nurture/Afro Gigolo)
Cat. No. NURT1040728 Release Date: July 2006

1. Day By Day (4:15)
2. Comigo (With Me) feat. Bebel Gilberto (3:29)
3. Would You Believe In Me (3:32)
4. Gold & Diamonds (4:17)
5. Victor Davies (Interlude) (0:15)
6. If I Ruled the World (3:09)
7. Til You Come Home (3:18)
8. Mini Cab (Interlude) (0:41)
9. One More Time (3:50)
10. Girl (2:14)
11. So Good for Me (4:14)
12. End of Time (3:27)
13. Missing World (4:17)
14. Don’t Believe a Word (2:26)

Live at the Jazz Café www.jazzcafe.co.uk
Victor Davies with support from Joy Denalane & Mark Wilkins on 14th June (7pm - 11pm)

Links:
www.myspace.com/victordavies
www.afrogigolo.co.uk “Afro Gigolo Records is an independent label owned by Victor Davies specialising in his own blend of Brasilian, Latin and jazz based Soul. The label was born from Victor’s desire to have full quality control over his own music, and to be able to release it without having to cater to the commercial market”.
www.ponycanyon.co.jp