David Simpkins
Long Story Short
© 2004 David Simpkins (783707922720)
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They call it Americana -- a blend of rock, folk, blues, country ... you name it. Whatever you call it, it's all original -- and it's the best I can do.
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Performing songwriter David Simpkins has been actively entertaining audiences for over 35 years. He spent the first 22 years of his musical career playing in cover bands in southwestern Virginia.
In 1990, he co-founded an original alternative rock band, the Visible Shivers, based in Blacksburg, VA, that released three full-length recordings and several EPs over a 10-year run.
When the band called it quits, David set out on his own, bolstered by years of experience and a much clearer idea of who and what he was as a songwriter. He has since placed as a finalist in the 2000 Appalachian Fair Best Unknown Country Songwriters competition in Gray, TN and was the winner of the Floyd World Music Festival Showcase Stage Best Song competition in 2002.
He is an active member of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association of Roanoke VA.
His recordings have been played locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally on a number of commercial, public, and internet radio stations.
He plays regular solo acoustic gigs, and has performed at numerous song-writers-in-the-round events, festivals, benefits, celebrations, songwriters' nights, and open mics.
David's free twice-monthly newsletter, the Meadow Creek Gazette (which is in its 5th year of publication), is a popular, entertaining, and informative look at his gigs, his philosophies, his pet peeves, and the world of music (and anything else that strikes his fancy) in general. E-mail amosflame@aol.com and write "subscribe" in the subject line.
Long Story Short is David's first solo recording. Working closely with producer, engineer, mixer, guitarist, and Real2Reel Studios owner Rick Krajnyak, the project pulled together a stellar collection of southwest Virginia's finest musicians, including Scott Fore, 2002 National Flatpicking Guitar Champion, and Alan Weinstein, cellist of the internationally-acclaimed chamber group, the Kandinsky Trio.
reviews
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Under-rated talent
author: New River VoiceIf you like some of the original roots rockers, guys such as Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, and Neil Young, then you'll enjoy Simpkins. But perhaps the musician most similar to Simpkins is Bill Mallonee of Vigilantes of Love. And like Mallonee, Simpkins is an under-rated talent. Simpkins wrote all the songs on this CD ... The sound of the album is definitely driven by Simpkins' acoustic guitar and vocals, but with familiar instruments such as pedal steel, banjo, and harmonica occasionally lending their sounds to the disc, some songs take on a more country bent. Consistent throughout the disc is Simpkins' thoughtful, poignant lyrics.
a little bit more emotion
author: Antonio R. Carcañobastante bien, de ahí el pero de un poquico más de emoción.
These are good, well written songs with strong performances all the way around.
author: Eddie SutphinVocals are strong and inspirational. Lyrics are poignant and interesting. My favorites are "Something New", "From Baltimore" and "Lighthouse". Great job!
"He just tells it like it is ..."
author: musesmuse.com"David Simpkins is a singer/songwriter with a legitimate folk pedigree. ... Simpkins has a straightforward writing and singing style and it's very effective. He doesn't get maudlin or precious; he just tells it like it is while he and the band play their hearts out. Fans of well written and played folk/rock will really enjoy Simpkins' 'Long Story Short.'" ~ Stacey Board
Accomplished solo debut
author: AmericanaUK.com"Accomplished solo debut from Virginian Simpkins. His years performing have honed his skills to a point where the writing, arrangements, and performances are of a high enough standard." ~ Pete Gow, AmericanaUK.com
Guts, sensitivity, and feeling
author: Performing Songwriter Greg TrafidloThese 12 arrangements present David Simpkins' voice, the power of his words, and the strength of each song with guts, sensitivity, and feeling. Each intelligently crafted song is delivered over David’s heartfelt and understated vocals. He convinces me that these song-stories are TRUE and worth the listening.
Long Story Short is great -- Simpkins should be proud
author: www.musicmonthly.comDavid Simpkins' songwriting ability is definitely the star of the show. The rambling Something New, the pretty From Baltimore, and the mysterious Lighthouse are some of the best songs on this album. Simpkins has a real talent for capturing moments in song. Long Story Short is a great album -- Simpkins should be proud. ~ Greg Yost, Music Monthly
A heartland folkie with the urge to rock
author: greenmanreview.comDavid Simpkins is a heartland folkie with the urge to rock. He has a craggy voice and sings in a rough and emotive style. Though these songs are acoustic-based, they're fleshed out with lots of electric guitar, bass and drums, plus a healthy dose of swelling Hammond B3 organ. A highlight is "After Glory," a Dylanesque fast shuffle ... The album ends on another strong note, the slow-burning rocker "Lighthouse." -- Gary Whitehouse
The consistency of a true musical warrior
author: sharkbitten.comThis disc blends much of what David Simpkins has learned over the years with hints of Neil Young's more recent work. Both artists' work echoes the voices of autumn -- mellow and recognizant of the fact that life is brittle. Both artists have embraced these changes but still refuse to give into winter. ... And given these varied influences and thoughts, David manages the consistency that only a true musical warrior can conjure. -- Todd Smith
A modern twang that buzzes with confidence
author: indie-music.com"Just as perceptive, straightforward and lilting as his vocals, Simpkins' sound is rural and deeply rooted in older sounds but with a modern twang that buzzes with confidence in its own originality." -- Genevieve Will, indie-music.com
Personal, challenging, and expansive. And don't forget intense.
author: Mike Clark -- The Loafer (Johnson City TN)This is as good an Americana CD as I've heard in a long, long time. Simpkins' music comes from the heart in a style that reaches back to Neil Young, Gene Clark (ex-Byrds), Bruce Springsteen, and others. The music is personal, challenging, and expansive. And don't forget intense. David isn't a simplistic, three-chords-and-the-truth-type; he doesn't think in those terms. Yet, in tunes like 'From Baltimore' (my personal favorite) and 'Something New,' he can be direct, simple, and stunningly effective.
I know what I like and I like this CD a LOT!
author: Sally"Hey David -- I got your CD in the mail the other day after work. I thought I could plop it in the CD player, turn it on, and then read the paper and look through my mail. Ha! About two, maybe three, lines into the first song, the paper dropped out of my hands, and all I could do was sit there, thinking 'WOW.' However long your CD is, that's how long I sat there, not wanting to miss a note or a word. I'm not a music critic, but I know what I like, and I LIKE this CD. A lot! Congratulations!"
Invites you to REALLY listen!
author: FredA real consumer friendly 12 pack, if I've ever heard one lately. Intelligent, with a pleasant flavor!
Can't Get Enough of This - Excellent!!!
author: KimThis CD is great. The songs are well written and performed with a lot of heart. Finally a CD that is fresh but yet with a classic feel. It makes you want to keep driving so you can keep listening. This is one that I will not tire of. It's a keeper and I will keep it in the CD player, not the case!
Very original--breath of fresh air
author: OliviaIt's clear to me this artist worked hard on this project. It's not a "slap something together' and see if they like it" sort of thing. Very high quality, all the way through--and a surprise to me considering it was clearly a 'home town' indie project. My favorite cut is #10, but all the songs are good. I was getting really tired of formulaic radio music, and even some pretty predictable Americana music-- this CD was just what I was looking for.