Customer Reviews

"River of No Return"

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If the words "western music" conjure up images of Gene, Rex, Roy and The Sons Of The Pioneers singing heartbreaking ballads to herds of disinterested cattle, then you'll be pleasantly surprised by Montana native Stephanie Davis' "River Of No Return", the premiere release on her independent Recluse Records label. Davis, who endured a self-imposed exile to Nashville in order to hone her composing and performing skills (and was rewarded by having her songs recorded by Garth Brooks, who requested that she be his opening act while touring), wrote eight of the ten songs on this album. She explores the subject of the Modern West as both a concept of reality ["Wolves", where ranchers face the threats of both four and two-legged predators, and "Give A Little Bit Back", advocating extending a helping hand to the less fortunate], and as a state of mind [the idyllic "Prairie Lullabye", and the cowboy and cowgirl anthem "The Diamond-O"]. Other selections include the holiday-themed "The Gift", western standards "Salt River Valley", "River Of No Return", and instrumentals "Saturday Night At The White Bird School", a swinging "Big Sky Bounce", and a bouncing "Lone Star Swing". Released in 1996 to celebrate her return to the Big Sky country, "River Of No Return" showcases Stephanie Davis' considerable talent as both composer and performer. Click on the samples in real audio, and then order the CD. You won't be disappointed.

I have to admit right away that I know Stephanie in person, she is such a great and honest person who really lives what she writes in her songs.

So let me stick to the production itself. Beautifully produced Western material, with the help of experts like Rich O'Brien, Tom Morrell and Riders in the Sky, this record will make it back to your player over and over again. Her version of "Wolves", the song that was also recorded by Garth Brooks, is on top of my all time favorite list. This CD shows where Stephanie is at home. Can't wait for her next record!

"Salt River Valley" reminded me of a quiet, warm Texas night; soft wind blowing the long cotton skirts of the ladies as they danced freely to the pleasant sounds of the acoustic guitar and the sweet strains of the fiddles.

"Saturday Night at the Whitebird School" - what a treat. If this doesn't get your foot stomping and your body moving you're probably dead! A little Irish jig could be danced easily to this and remarkably it still carries that "pure country" feeling throughout.
It is amazing to me how one artist can so deftly interweave various musical types into one CD and still please the consumer. The surprises are not out of line with the musical category but are surprisingly different enough to keep things interesting. Kind of like coloring outside of the lines.....the picture is still recognizable but the variations make it very interesting.

Most artists define their style and stay with one form of music hard rock, rap, pure country, R&B, etc.) and that is fine if you like just one kind of music.
I like ALL kinds......and listening to Stephanie Davis gives me just that. She has the versatility and the confidence to jump out of her pure country (beautifully sung ballads) to a musical selection reminiscent of an Irish ballad.

HER VOICE
If you could put voice to a clear clean cold mountain stream, moving rapidly while being warmed by the rays of an intensely burning sun......you would hear the voice of Stephanie Davis