Towson, MD (Top40 Charts) A slick, cosmopolitan showcase of a dozen contemporary jazz instrumentals, cool-toned guitarist
Drew Davidsen elevates his technical prowess and creative muse while contemplatively chronicling his journey through life on "TRUE DREW," his fifth album that will be released March 5th on Oznot Records. In addition to his impassioned, fanciful fretwork on electric, acoustic and nylon-stringed guitars, Davidsen wrote or co-wrote seven original tunes for the disc that he produced with Eric Copeland, Preston Glass and Norman Connors. Setting the stage at radio is "Hi5," which adeptly bridges the sensibilities of a hip L.A. rooftop hang and sultry songo rhythms.
The material that makes up "TRUE DREW" mirrors the mission of the man. Beginning with the infectious "My Guitar" that is ignited by a spirit-raising guitar and celestial vocal hook, Davidsen ventures onto "
95 South" in search of an energetic exploration, brazenly allowing the music - jazz, R&B, blues and adult pop - to be his guide. Riffing adventurously throughout, he gives a "Hi5" to his traveling companions on the album, an accomplished lot that boasts
Bobby Lyle, Eric Marienthal, Bob Baldwin, Gerald Veasley, and the Temptations' Ron Tyson. When life forces him to take risks ("Double or Nothin'"), he pauses for reflection ("All Night and Forever" and a brooding, New Age-y take on the classic hymnal "All Creatures") before arriving at the "
Sweet Spot" where he encounters love ("I'm Into You," "I Can't Help It" and "Give Me Your Heart"). A man of faith who devotes his time and a portion of the proceeds from all music sales to charitable endeavors such as Ghanaian Mother's Hope (www.GMHope.org), Davidsen ultimately remains true to the path to "Do Right" and "Change The World." In fact, he's currently encouraging people to make healthier choices in the New Year via The 30-Day Wellness Challenge (www.30DayWellnessChallenge.com).
"When one of my New York City fans dubbed me 'Six String King,' it had a serious impact. I looked around and realized I really do see my life through my guitar. This album reflects that journey. Stringing together my passion for the guitar, excellence and innovation while combining ingredients and flavors from New York City, Los Angeles and Nashville, I was blessed to work with marvelously talented musicians, producers and engineers that helped bring 'TRUE DREW' to life," said Davidsen, who was named one of the 10 Hottest New Guitarists by Guitar Player magazine.
Davidsen's radio-friendly recordings have consistently generated abundant airplay and enjoyed lengthy stays in the Top 10 on the Billboard and SiriusXM charts, the latter on which he went #1 in 2011 for the "
Spin Cycle" album. Born, raised and still residing in Towson, MD, he was a classically trained cellist who studied at Baltimore's Peabody Institute. Davidsen served in Iraq in Operation Desert
Storm with the U.S. Navy and returned to share his fervor for music education at a hometown preschool while he spent his evenings performing in a local contemporary jazz quartet for a dozen years. Since releasing his debut album, "The Journey," in 2008, he has been warmly embraced by fans of his records and live shows. Davidsen won the Momentum Award in 2008 as Jazz Artist of the Year and has been nominated as Best New Artist by both the American Smooth Jazz Awards and the
Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards. "TRUE DREW" depicts a driven artist equipped with the skills, sound and songs to propel him closer to the guitar greats that influence him the most: Pat Metheny,
George Benson, Earl Klugh, Larry Carlton and Robben Ford. More information is available at www.drewdavidsen.com and www.drewdavidsen.com/epk.
Davidsen's "TRUE DREW" contains the following songs:
"My Guitar"
"
95 South"
"Hi5"
"Double or Nothin'"
"All Night and Forever"
"
Sweet Spot"
"
I'm Into You"
"Do Right"
"I Can't Help It"
"Change the World"
"All Creatures"
"Give Me Your Heart"
