Meet seventeen year old singer-songwriter prodigy Spencer Durham. Who is this kid?
His songwriting has been compared to vintage Bob Dylan and John Prine with his stories of substance, perspective and insight far beyond Spencer’s biological age. Plus, he can sing... with the soulful intensity if Gregg Allman, Van Morrison, and Martin Sexton.
Spencer penned eight of the twelve tracks on his debut album “I Wonder Why”. Most of these were written while he was only fifteen years old, and recorded when he was just sixteen. The CD also contains three classic rock covers that will take the 40+ age group back to their youth. (Whipping Post by Gregg Allman and The Allman Brothers, “The Weight” by Robbie Robertson and The Band, and “Ooh La La” by Ronnie Lane/Ron Wood from Small Faces.) Additionally, there is heartfelt version of “Waiting On An Angel” from one of Spencer’s contemporary influences, Ben Harper.
Mix all this together and you have a one very interesting CD that has the unique ability to reach across several ages groups. Teenage girls buy the CD because they think Spencer is cute, and because his original songs speak to the things they see going on in their lives. The songs “On The Outside”, “Talkin’ Bout Love”, and “Don’t Say Hello” reflect the heartfelt emotions that all young people go through as they struggle to learn about dealing with the opposite sex. “I Wonder Why” says it all for teenage guys with the opening line “I am a young man. Afraid that life might pass me by. And, I want some memories for when I’m old and grey”. Parents get the unexpected pleasure of hearing a clear singing style where they can finally understand lyrics, coupled with the cover songs they grew up with. What forty- something Dad can avoid singing along to the line from Whipping Post that belts out, “Sometimes I feel.... Like I’ve been tied, to the whipping post”?
Finally, a CD that you can play in the car and make the whole family happy!
Spencer was discovered by Rogue Records Recording artist Kurt Thomas at a local Kiwanis Talent Showcase where Spencer took first place. Kurt introduced Spencer to Lee Davis, President, Rogue Enterprises who produced the album “I Wonder Why”. Kurt Thomas and Spencer co-wrote the title track, “I Wonder Why”. Davis comments, "He writes, he plays, he sings. Very well I might add. In an industry overloaded with no talent, non-writing, out of tune singing models, Spencer Durham is a breath of fresh air!”
Spencer plays six string acoustic guitar, twelve string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, harmonica, and numerous percussion pieces. His aggressive picking style has been called “rhythm-lead” where he makes one acoustic guitar sound like two or three.
Although only seventeen years old Spencer has already toured much of the USA as a solo act, and with his three piece band. Live shows consist of the material from “I Wonder Why” in addition to a dose of covers from legends such as Neil Young, Warren Zevon, Bob Marley, The Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Beatles, The Black Crows, Sublime, and The Band. Spencer's unique brand of "High Energy Acoustic Music" is leaving an unforgettable impression on fans all around the country. You will always remember the first time you saw Spencer Durham live!
During the summer of 2004 Spencer toured as an opening act for country music star Craig Collins. This included 25 shows over a six week span throughout Texas and Louisiana. After the tour we returned to the studio to put the finishing touches on “I Wonder Why”. The CD was released in 2005.
In March 2005, Spencer opened for country music superstar, Sara Evans. During the summer of 2005, he toured throughout the southeast doing over fifty shows during a three month stretch.
In September 2005 he placed as third runner-up in Open Mic Atlanta’s Singer-Songwriter competition sponsored by Southern Comfort and Dave FM 92.9, Atlanta. In October 2005, Spencer placed as acoustic runner-up in the prestigious Open Mic Madness Competition at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta. This put him in the top four of 128 acts who participated. In November 2005, Spencer earned the privilege of competiting as a finalist in the famous Semi-Annual Singer-Songwriter Shoot-Out at Eddies Attic, Atlanta, Ga.
Spencer is an honor student at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega, Ga. and has plans to attend college and further his music studies. That is, if he can sell enough CD’s!
For additional information go to www.spencerdurham.com or, www.myspace.com/spencerdurham
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