If I was having a problem and needed to talk to someone, I'd call Garrick Davis. The reason why, is that Davis has been through a transformation - he's been inside his head a lot over the last few years, thinking through all the weighty issues of life. And thankfully, when he was through thinking, he decided to see the glass as half full, rather than half empty, hence the title of his latest CD. I think he would give really reasonable advice when I cried on his shoulder. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would be right back in business after a short pep talk from Davis. 

   The songs on this CD are songs of wisdom, songs of dues-paying, songs of experience, and ultimately, songs of winning the struggle. Davis has a rock sound, spotted with other influences like blues and gospel. He contributes acoustic & electric guitars (both very well done) and vocals, along with writing all the songs. He was joined in the studio by a fine crop of session players who have formerly played with Santana, David Grisman, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Primus, The Turtle Island String Quartet, Guns N' Roses, and more. 

   The vocals are quite versatile on this CD, showcasing all kinds of pitches, tones, and intensities. I especially love his voice in the verses of the songs "Wastin' Time" and "Chemical Reaction" - a mid-pitched, out front sound that offers excellent intimacy for the listener. 

   The well-structured songs range from mid-tempo rockers to rock ballads to acoustic instrumentals. The lyrics are strong throughout, focusing only on what the song needs, and leaving out the weak, contrived phrases occasionally written by lesser writers. 

   Song Picks: Z.E.D., Wastin' Time, and Chemical Reaction.
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Publicists aren't always helpful. 
Case in point: "Glass Half Full," the debut CD by San Mateo-based musician Garrick Davis. The press material for the album compares Davis' music to Jimi Hendrix, Seal, Elvis Costello, James Brown and Bruce Springsteen. 

Taken on its own terms, however, "Glass Half Full" has its share of pleasures and demonstrates Davis' potential for growth. 

Musically, his songs combine rock, soul, jazz and folk in a manner somewhat reminiscent of the Dave Matthews Band. The propulsive grooves are punctuated by Davis' unique voice, an interesting combination of Darius Rucker (you know, the "Hootie and the Blowfish" guy) and "Shaft" maestro Isaac Hayes. Delivered in a range falling somewhere between speaking and singing, the lyrics emphasize positive themes of self-belief and empowerment. 

His style is not the stuff of Top 40 radio, and Davis is to be commended for pursuing his individual vision.  Davis doesn't write any stinkers and, at times, can be downright affecting. "Wastin' Time," for example, 
is an effective look at the fear lurking underneath procrastination, while "Breakin' Down" gently states Davis' determination to succeed.   Davis' guitar playing, which has a surprisingly raw edge, is memorable, which may explain why the instrumental "Another Day" is one of the more graceful songs on the album. 

The album does possess enough depth and skillful musicianship to suggest, at this point in his career, that Davis' songs are stronger live than in the studio. The weaknesses that mar "Glass Half Full" could easily be covered up by a bit of amplification, and Davis' strong passion probably comes across more strongly in front of a living audience. 

So, Davis isn't a legend after his first album. Neither were his influences. (Does anybody recall Springsteen's first album?) More relevant are Davis' potential and his ambition to make a difference in people's lives.
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I was really impressed with this CD. "The Boy in Me" is really an exceptional cut. This song will be the hit of the album I predict. Davis has a real knack of offering his big heart into his playing fingers and voice. I highly reccommend this CD to anyone who likes blues-based rock. Truly a collectors classic in the years to come!
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Garrick :

    I'm a subscriber @ emusic.com and I just
downloaded your CD, "glass half full".

    I love it, and I just wanted to pass that on to
you. It's a rare experience these days to love every
song on a CD. No fillers here! Every song is a gem...

    Thanks for the great listening experience. I'm on
my 3rd listen as I write this. Don't know if you ever
play the Boston area, but if you do i'll be sure to
catch a show...

   Sincerely,
   Jimm
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