Creative Commercial Sound Off The Beaten Track – Admirable Appetizers
Brooklyn, New York singer-songwriter Hovey Otis (aka Tim Davis) starts his new extended play disc “Fools Gold” with “Hardened Stone,” – an energetic acoustic guitar driven tune. Otis’ voice is recorded clear and has a pleasant musical personality that meshes well with the lyrics and music. He’s not of the Bruce Springsteen school, or Elton John – Billy Joel variety of song – but, he has style, perhaps more in the vein of Marc Cohn (Walking in Memphis, Silver Thunderbird), or John Mayer. He does not sing in a dour, melancholy style – he has life in his vocal approach.
Track two has more fire and once again, it’s all pleasantly tied by acoustic guitar and upbeat drums that has a nice Caribbean flavor though it doesn’t delve into cliché ridden pop sensibilities. Otis maintains an admirable quality in his arrangement. “An Island Miles Away,” is a creative endeavor – clever lyrics and creative guitar picking. This could also be a children’s song it’s so refreshing and feel-good dynamic. His hooks are not so much hooks as pop music would warrant – but, repetitious for effect in its ability to render happiness at an optimum level. I’d like to hear Hovey sing this duet-style someday with the legendary Taj Mahal.
“Darlene,” – not even a popular name nowadays has a nice one-two snare drum snap. As simplistic as that beat is for a seasoned drummer this percussionist has a nice crisp blast that steers the song and forces you to mentally clap your hands and bop your head. The lyrics, once again, are sharply written, and Hovey’s vocals are quite perfect for this type of song. The musicians’ performance are all tight throughout these tunes and offer a nice little reminder of why 60’s pop songs were always so enchanting and memorable.
Each melody has its own richness of originality and Hovey sounds always sincere. “My Kind of Living,” is another slice of simplistic music which if you’re a good songwriter and a singer with style – which Hovey Otis displays – it’s enough to interest the discerning ear. Thankfully, Hovey’s pen writes and arranges his tunes off the beaten track of commerciality. His songs appeal, but they are not following a worn blueprint. There are snatches of interesting music and paths here that make it even more interesting.
It’s an extended play – four songs — less than thirteen minutes of what is to come. I found it enjoyable and hope Hovey has more magic up his musical sleeve. The only suggestion I would have if he tackles a full-length album? Mix it up. Add more instruments, add some instruments that are not always so conventional. He has the voice that would wrap around a nice accordion, a smoky saxophone, a Penny-Lane type cornet – just to help keep the songs interesting and most of all – take some unexpected turns.
Because of today’s society and entertainment being a little edgier than in decades before Hovey needs to take one chance: He needs to throw in one serious tune – could be a ballad, could be a page from Tom Waits’ philosophy: a beautiful melody with a dark message.
I know Hovey may not subscribe to that style but, a singer of his caliber can sing an upbeat song with vinegar — that’s for sure. There was a singer way back in the 60’s named Boots Walker. He came out with a novelty song called “They’re Here,” which explored aliens from outer space already being on Earth. However, on the flip side of this comical song he had compelling tune called “A Bum Can’t Cry,” (on YouTube) which was a beautiful acoustic song with poignant lyrics and a vocal very similar to Hovey Otis.
It was quite a contrast to the silly minor hit novelty song. But, Walker did it – he showed another side without compromising his style. Hovey needs to include at least one serious message song in his collection if for no other reason – to attract audience attention and allow his PR people to exemplify that he is not just another singer-songwriter with nice song. If you get my drift. Hovey sounds like he has some longevity in his ability. This collection is just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully, there will be a lot more below the surface we have yet to experience. Hovey has a full-length album in “Standing Alone” which is also available, but I have not previewed.
Writer Americana Lady interviewed Hovey Otis earlier and that can shed more light on this fine artist here in No Depression.
Hovey does have a website, but — there were issues with the website which need to be addressed and this is why it has not been included here.
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/hoveyotis/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hoveyotis
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review / commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of No Depression. All photography is owned by the respective photographers and is their copyrighted image; credited where photographer’s name was known & being used here solely as reference and will be removed on request. YouTube images are standard YouTube license.
John Apice / No Depression / November 2016