Davis Causey: “New Things From Old Strings” (2023) CD Review

The last twelve months have seemed rather cold if not downright cruel, every day seeming to bring word of someone’s death. On February 19th, the world lost Davis Causey, less than a month after the release of his new album, New Things From Old Strings. Davis Causey had a wild career in music, playing with Marvin Gaye, Gregg Allman and Derek Trucks, among others. He played guitar in the band Sea Level in the 1970s with Randall Bramblett, and then later played in The Randall Bramblett Band. And on this album, Randall Bramblett joins him on several tracks. Chuck Leavell, who was also a member of Sea Level (what a crazy amount of talent there was in that band), joins him on one track. Other musicians on this album include Michael Steele on bass, Tim White on organ, and Carlton Owens on drums, along with several other guests on various tracks. All tracks on this album were written or co-written by Davis Causey.

The album opens with “Nothin’ Much,” which has a cool, bluesy vibe and features some wonderful, expressive work on guitar, creating a strong sense of atmosphere. This track also contains some great stuff on keys. Nothin’ much? I don’t know about that, for this is just what I need. That’s followed by “Circadian Swing (Pt. 2),” a rather pretty piece with a natural flow and vibe. This is the track on which Chuck Leavell plays piano, delivering some really nice work. This one was written by Chris Connelly, Greg Jarvis and Davis Causey. And if you’re wondering if there is a “Circadian Swing (Pt. 1),” the answer is Yes. “Circadian Swing” was recorded by Chris Connelly, in which he sings, “All my life I’ve been waiting for a change/Still in my little world I am the same.” It was included on Paradigm.

The phrase “Time out of mind” comes from William Shakespeare. In the Queen Mab speech from Romeo And Juliet, Mercutio says, “Her chariot is an empty hazel-nut/Made by the joiner squirrel or old grub,/Time out o’ mind the fairies’ coachmakers.” So there is something dreamlike behind the phrase, and Davis Causey’s “Time Out Of Mind” certainly has a something of that feel, like it is coming from some long ago time, or is speaking of that time, or to that time. While listening to this track, you feel like you can drift out of your own time, a wonderful feeling. Steve Dancz plays keyboards on this track. That is followed by “Got Bach?” which is the first of the tracks to feature Randall Bramblett on saxophone. And Tom Ryan is on baritone saxophone, and J.R. Beckwith is on trumpet. Jim Gibson is on keyboards. There is a delightful joy to this track, and a good amount of soul.

“Thanks M’Nelle” is a beautiful, somewhat contemplative piece that includes a string section. Andy Carlson is on violin and viola, and Karen Bergmann plays cello. The track feels like a peaceful dawn, or like a flower garden coming to life before your eyes, opening and blooming, like seeing the entire life of the garden in a short span of time. Davis Causey plays bass on this track. Then “Dreamtime” is one of the most interesting tracks. As it begins, it feels like it emerges from the mists, and we are transported to some other place. And then this funky groove begins to emerge from that, coming as a surprise. But of course dreams are like that, aren’t they, suddenly moving from one thing to another, without needing logic, but finding their own flow and progression.

“Mr. Tuesday” moves at a nice, slow pace, featuring some really good work on guitar. Regarding the title, you get the sense of Tuesdays when you want to pace yourself because there is still a good deal of the week ahead of you. This track also features some wonderful work on organ. The disc’s liner notes say that the horn section plays on this track, but I don’t hear them. I hear them on the next track, “Slide On Brother.” So either I’m insane or there is a mistake in the liner notes (either is possible). Anyway, “Slide On Brother” begins with some good work on organ, and then kicks in to become a kind of southern blues rock gem. There is great stuff on that organ throughout the track, and of course plenty of delicious work on guitar. And I’m digging those horns (assuming I’m not crazy). That’s followed by “Blue Spring,” a pretty track, the guitar being the focus, but also with some sweet work on keys. Then “Single Malt” has a pleasant, easygoing vibe. There is something soothing about this music, which I appreciate. Marty Kearns plays piano on this one.

“Late At Night” begins with some gentle, thoughtful work on guitar, certainly giving us that late-night vibe. Then Randall Bramblett comes in on saxophone, the two instruments working together over a nice rhythm. Gerry Hansen plays drums on this track, and Jim Gibson is on keyboards. This is another of my favorite tracks. That is followed by “Rio Maya,” which begins with the rhythm and builds from there. Listen to this one on headphones, for there is a great depth to the sound, making you feel immersed in it, the sounds occupying a physical space. It was written by Randall Bramblett, Davis Causey and Steve Dancz. Steve Dancz plays keyboards on this track. Randall Bramblett then plays piano on “Lari’s Lullaby,” a song that he composed with Davis Causey, one that has its own beauty. The album concludes with “Oh Kay,” a short and interesting piece that features Karen Bergmann on cello. Pat Strawser plays piano on this one.

CD Track List

1. Nothin’ Much
2. Circadian Swing (Pt. 2)
3. Time Out Of Mind
4. Got Bach?
5. Thanks M’Nelle
6. Dreamtime
7. Mr. Tuesday
8. Slide On Brother
9. Blue Spring
10. Single Malt
11. Late At Night
12. Rio Maya
13. Lari’s Lullaby
14. Oh Kay

New Things From Old Strings was released on January 27, 2023 on Strolling Bones Records.