Customer Reviews

Crocus in the Snow

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Have been a big fan of Cowboy and true Western Music for a long time, but never made the effort to pick up one Stephanie's CDs. Then I got to see her in person at the Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering in Ellensburg, WA (a great event in its own right). Changed my whole perspective on things. Bought this CD there and it has been in my changer ever since. In fact, I just ordered two more of her CDs based on the strength of this one. The sentiment of Some Things Cost Too Much, Ikey and Crocus in the Snow is overpowering. You've Been a Friend to Me (with Ray Benson from Asleep at the the Wheel) and Yodel Blues (with Ranger Doug) are great songs and fun. I encourage you to buy this CD. Stephanie, its good to know you.

I bought this album because of one song - "Ikey". Every once in a while you hear a song that tears the heart right out of you, Ïkey is just that king of song. I choke up every single time I hear it, and when I try to sing along, it just gets worse. Listen to it in a quiet room and follow the words very carefully, and, if there's any depth to you at all, you'll have the same reaction.

By the way, the title track tugs at your heart strings, too.

For your information: Yes, I know Stephanie personally, she is one of the nicest persons I've ever met, a great musician and a gifted songwriter.

I think this record is the best she's done (and the others were top class, too!). Stephanie was assisted by great musicians like Steel Guitarists Lloyd Maines and Steve Palousek, Fiddler Bobby Flores and Piano legend Floyd Domino. Asleep At The Wheel's Ray Benson joins her for one duet. The record only contains self-written material.

What I like about the record? The variety of material that ranges from Western Swing ("Something 'Bout Montana") to traditional Western Style, Acoustic Music and even a bit of Rockabilly. But mostly it's the songwriting, her way to tell a story that sometimes makes you cry and sometimes makes you smile, but always makes you LISTEN.

This is definitely not a record to be played in the background, you have to take your time, sit back and listen to what Stephanie has to say.

If you can rely to the above, this CD is a must.

Walter Stettner
Vienna, Austria

I bought this because I heard Stephanie's "Harvest Time" on NPR, and then came to enjoy hearing her on Prairie Home Companion a couple of times. I'm pleased to report that the songs on this recording that I had not heard before are just as pleasurable as the ones I had. Ms. Davis has such a wonderful talent as a songwriter and a singer/musician. Very down-to-earth and very real.

In addition, my entire Master Gardeners group enjoyed the daylights out of "Harvest Time" when we played it at our holiday dinner. Every one of us could relate to the 47 boxes!

Davis's third solo is my favorite without question. She
mainly does songs relating to her ranch life in Montana
now, and while 'traces' remain of the western swing & 'Ian Tyson meets Garth Brooks' cowboy stuff of earlier albums, the songwriting is more assured, & these elements add variety here. "Yodel Blues" is much better swing than her swing album "I'm Pullin' Through" stuff I think, & likewise "Cold Wind Blow" a better cowboy song than on "River of No Return" album. "Ikey" & interesting relationship story songs like "Some Things Cost Too Much" & "Just a Cup of Coffee" are very strong I think, & 'cowboypoetry' entry "The Spotted Ass" (yes about confusion over the meaning of the word!) is great. A big step forward for SD I think.

A singularly "different cd". Very original music with a fresh delivery by Stephanie Davis. If you enjoy smiling through a musical presentation this is the one for you! Her compositions are quite entertaining, crisp and clear! This is definitely a cd to listen to with someone else who can appreciate her humor, creativity and joy!

Stephanie Davis captures the profound difficulties of life with such sweetness and joy that each time I play her CD I am moved. She alternates foot stomping good times music and cowboy poetry with the quiet pieces, so her work never slides into the maudlin. Thanks, Stephanie, for a work that speaks for me, and to me.