Devon: Vocals, National Guitars, Electric, Tow Chains
Matt Sandate: Guitars Dave Alderdice: Drums Jackie Wadell: Bass Mike Gleason: Guitar Rudy Serrels: Guitar Jeff Blevins: Drums
Pam Rosenthal: Bass Marc Bruell: Fiddle Deva Deangelis: Vocals Soozie Lindbloom: Mandolin Gabe Riley: Chain Gain Man Sam Messmer: Dobro Zach Shedd: Upright Bass
Song List
1. Sailing Away
2. Sometimes
3. Havana to Keywest
4. Shuffle
5. Catfish Blues
6. Rezsurection
7. Haunted Highway
8. Times Go By
9. Passing Trains
10. Pull of the Road
11. Hobo’s Last Ride
12. Working in the Orchard
13. Late Night
14. Spanish Fandango
15. Nobody’s Business
do you really know me
do you really know me
or am i a distant stranger of distress
do you see me every day
yet not sense my empiness !
have you taken the time to discover
which longs to be expressed !
must i remain this will-o'-the-wisp
this shadow of of a doubt ?
do you really know me
in my quiet inner soul
a song that must be sung
but never really told !
do you --ever--try to know me
as i stood long side each day
as i cushioned your distress
to make sure, easy, went, your way !
--no--
you never really knew me
as we went along--your-- path
i became your extension of success
with no substance of my own
a distant stranger of distress
to go it all along
i sang my song in silence
where the ego fears to bed
i sang it loud and clear
where only other distant strangers tread !
will you ever know me
as i fade into dust
maybe then, you'll truly know me
recanting all you must !
mrs.frances m. alves
i see a face before me
I close my eyes
I see a face before me,
A face, in the imagination of my mind.
I would it be !
It must be !
It is,
--me-- !
I have the power in my minds eye
To transform
This illusion of a face
I give it youth’s beauty,
I give it creation,
this illusion of a face.
I close my eyes
And see a face before me
Imagined in elegant design,
I give it life,
I give it freedom,
Allowing movement, in my most
Secret time.
I close my eyes
And see a face before me
Performing, what, I, would not.
I revel in this face before me
Existing of my will,
Dare I,
My eyes to open,
Breaking,
This wondrous spell
Mrs. Frances M. Alves
He crossed the tracks not looking back
Abandoned by the cold and the rain
Beat down by the wind and the snow
Headed out to the city lights
The glow hovering above the crest of a distant hill
The wind was still
Blackbirds flew into view covering the moon
With black feather freckles
The ground was froze twelve feet deep
And it will be some time before the rocks heave
But the train still rumbles down the frozen tracks
Never looking back
The canyon below with towering pines
The redstone walls sit ancient
Friends with the stars
And tonight there is a fire
And the moon is full
The juniper burns hot and slow
The flames flicker and lick the silhouettes of the tress
And the ghost go jumping from shadow to shadow
Still in the night
Daring to be splashed by the moonlight
Daring to listen to the wind
As it blows down the canyon
Passing towering pines
Influences
the old timers, chris whitley, tom waits, ryan adams, the road, birds, bob, townes van zant, lucinda williams, johnny cash, jimi, corey harris, woody, a full moon, walking in the hills, swinging a hammer, drinking wiskey, and all kinds of things
Sounds Like
being stuck at a train crossing in the desert with a crow sitting on the yield sign
Across That River
April 30, 2007
With album credits ending, "big thanks to all those who have helped to make possible another bucket of funk” I've encountered an album I begin to like out of principle. Upon listening Alves delivers a wonderful acoustic sound lying some where in a lost triangle between blues, rock and bluegrass. Opener, ‘Pull the Road’ is an excellent introduction to this pagan traveler on an album where Nature and rustic travels reoccur as much as David Grisman style mandolin cries. Other notables include, ‘Rainy Day’ a brief instrumental showcasing Alves, steel guitar skills. Also, When it’s time, a traditional slide guitar number, Boatyard Blues, and Apple Tree.
Reviewer: Derrick Mund
Across That River is truly inspiring. I haven't heard anything as pure in tone as it is in its message in a long, long while. I work at the radio station at San Diego State University (KCRlive.com) and we play it (at least on our weekly show) quite a bit... at least once a week. That is how I really got turned on to the album. Frankly I'd never heard the name Devon Alves before and feel blessed that I am now able to groove with your tunes.
Reviewer: philly b kcr college radio
You can almost tell where Devon Alves has been since his first album, Four Directions. The tracks on Across That River have his trademark thoughtful lyrics and that unmistakable National Steel sound. His Gypsy background and Spanish guitar style are emerging and adding complexity that takes his music farther away from traditional Blues and solidly into the broader genre of Roots music. The guest artists on this recording are spot-on and add to the old-time feel of Across That River. The timelessness of the songs is complemented by Devon's innovative musical style. The images inspired when listening to his new album may leave you feeling like you've just gotten off the road, thankful for your travels but so glad to be home.
thanks, I love seeing your art, you're awesome! I'm starting a painting course with PC, painting Montana landscape!! I can't wait......I'l post some new art soon. Have a GREAT day my friend.
Happy New Year , I have a feeling its gonna be a good one. If you get a chance , I'd love the hear what you think of "Norma McCall." Its #1 on my playlist and definately my new pride and Joy.
Nice site Devon....we just listened to your music for awhile and it felt good..yeah. Oh, i really like the poem about the juniper branches and red rocks and stuff. The mood was good. Wish we could all be there right now instead of in all this snow.
