Davin James and the Bullnettle Band Friday, July 13, 2001 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series Sherman, Texas by Scott Snidow

Last night, at 7:36 p.m., the sleepy little burg of Sherman, TX, was aroused from its slumber by the magnificent resonations of one Davin James. Nothing in the history of this lazy little town could possibly have prepared its denizens for what they witnessed. It was a Davin James concert in the park. Davin James, Texas guitar slinger extraordinaire, ripping out any preconceived notions that this was simply going to be another relaxed evening in the park. No brass bands. No barbershop quartets. Not at this concert in the park. This was ballsy Texas country/rock/blues/boogie, performed by one of its most dedicated and daring apostles. Opening with the Hank Williams, Jr., standard, Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound, James and the Bullnettle Band, consisting of Eric Tucker on drums and Joe Perry on bass, served notice that small crowd in attendance were going to witness the most raucous and quite possibly the best performance of the Hot Summer Nights Series. This was not a night for the timid and casual music listener. James and Company then wound their way through a series of James originals, that bona fide house rocking blues country mix that he is rapidly becoming known for. The normally sedate crowd that gathers at most HSN performances was anything but sedate on this night. Like a champion boxer, James delivered the one-two punch with his guitar that left the audience reeling. James proved himself quite the natural showman, interacting with the audience as only he can do. His flair for the dramatic reared its head as he used the microphone as a makeshift slide for his guitar during the solo to "Nawlins Nights," ripping the mic from its moorings in the process. Later, a member of the audience supplied James with a Corona bottle, which he promptly made use of as a slide again. Another classic moment occurred when a local resident approached the stage to tell James that Sherman was the birthplace of Buck Owens, and requested that he perform a Buck number in homage. James looked at the crowd and said, "Hell, I almost forgot that Sherman is the home to Buck Owens." With this there was the mixed bag of cheers and catcalls. James then stated that he was going to have to do an Owens tune, and the majority of the audience booed or encouraged him to continue what he was playing. With that toothy grin of his, he looked out over the audience and said, "I just purchased the Buck Owens box set, so I am going to do one just to spite you!" With that he broke into "Foolin' Around" complete with facial gestures and intonations a la Buck Owens. The second set of the evening was a bluesier set than the first, with James doing an extended cover of "Red House." Kick Ass Jams must be this boy's middle name, as that is exactly what he provided. The show closed with "Rolling Dice," which left the audience reeling and rocking, some still unsure of what they had witnessed, none the same as they had been a scant three hours earlier. I have seen the inevitable comparisons that have been made about James being similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan or Eddy Shaver as a guitarist, and having vocal talents like those of Hank, Jr., but the fact remains that these comparisons are only weak attempts by writers to try and give some perspective to the amazing talent that is Davin James. There is no doubt in this reviewer's mind that if James were less of a performer and more of a shameless promoter, there would be children all across the country picking up their guitars and swearing that they were going to be the next Davin James. If you are still wanting to know a little more about this no holds barred performer, or wondering where you can witness this apostle of the ax in person, go on over to www.davinjames.com. There you can check his tour schedule, learn more about him, listen to or buy some of his music, and even email him. Or, look below for an abbreviated list of his upcoming appearances, and keep your eye peeled on the Rockzillaworld Concert Calendar. (www.rockzilla.net/concerts.html) 8/4 Blanco's ­ Houston 8/10 The White Elephant ­ Ft. Worth 9/1 Tommy Alverson's Family Gathering ­ Hico 9/7 Blanco's ­ Houston 9/8 The Thirsty Armadillo ­ Ft.Worth 10/18 Concert in the Park - Stephenville   You can contact Scott Snidow at: scott-at-rockzilla.net

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