What can I say about this weeks artist… I should rephrase, what’s not to say about the artist feature this week.
His playing makes you feel like you are on the edge of a cliff… uncomfortably close to the edge. His flatpick runs are inventive and unconventional, but are at home, comfortably finding their way into tunes.
Michael Daves is a guitarist and singer that I first heard playing with Chris Thile on an album entitled “Sleep With One Eye Open.” His command over the guitar alongside Chris Thile was inspiring, and then, he started singing…
Michael’s voice is a serious contender for one of the best modern bluegrass voices around. Singing lead, Michael Daves controls the ebb and flow of the song all the while projecting a raw confidence. Singing harmony, he quickly escalates to the upper echelon of singers in the genre. His high part harmony is an absolute treat to listen to and unmistakeable.
One album that features Michael in his element is his duo album with Chris Thile entitled “Sleep With One Eye Open.” The other album that showcases his creative side is entitled “Orchids and Violence.” This album is more of a concept type album featuring one side of it dedicated to straight ahead bluegrass tunes and the other side taking those same tunes and putting a dark electric guitar infused spin on them.
Chances are if you have heard any modern bluegrass album recorded in the New York area, you may well have already heard Michael at work, but now it’s time to single out his abilities and check out his albums… Your record collection will certainly rejoice at their arrival.
Michael Daves Links
