American Heritage Dictionary defines "evolution" as "a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form." This word aptly pertains to Moot Davis's second album ALREADY MOVED ON. ALREADY MOVED ON shows a clear progression from his debut self-titled effort – and demonstrates that even music that speaks the voice of the common man can evolve to a higher plane.
With his first record, Moot gained tremendous critical acclaim for his talent for writing and performing passionate, soulful honky-tonk music that drew from legends of the genre like Hank Williams and Webb Pierce while bringing the art form into the new Millennium. ALREADY MOVED ON picks up where "Moot Davis" left off, embodying timeless songwriting, a definite "attitude," and a certain edge that lets the listener know this is no throwback to an earlier time. It's music that reflects the past while setting the bar for the future.
ALREADY MOVED ON runs the gamut of American roots music from barroom anthems to highway songs to country ballads – all colored by Moot's insight on the tenuous relationship between men and women and the corresponding love and heartache. The title song harkens back to some of the most universal classic love songs where an individual recognizes the finality of a relationship gone wrong. On the album's one non-original song, Moot even throws in a compelling and highly original interpretation of Johnny Paycheck's powerful "I'm The Only Hell (My Mama Ever Raised).
For ALREADY MOVED ON, Moot once again collaborated with Grammy Award-winning producer/guitarist Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam, Roy Orbison, k.d.lang, Buck Owens, Flaco Jimenez, Michelle Shocked, Jackson Browne). One listen to the album and you know this is something special – Pete's production allows the timelessness of the music to shine through while treating the listener to modern sonic qualities and the undeniable musicianship of world class players.
For the last few years, Moot has toured non-stop, bringing his dynamic live show around the world including festivals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan. His music has been heard in such film and television projects as the Academy Award-winning motion picture "Crash," the horror hit "The Hills Have Eyes," an Irish independent film "Small Engine Repair," and "The Dukes of Hazzard II." Moot was also named "Honky-Tonk Artist of the Year" by "True West" magazine and landed on numerous "Best of Lists."
While often associated with the American South, country music has a universality that inspires artists from a wide variety of different locales – Merle Haggard and Buck Owens from California, Hank Snow from Canada, Tex Williams from Illinois. Moot grew up listening to the current popular music he heard on the streets of his hometown, Trenton, NJ. Summers spent visiting his grandparents in West Virginia, however, exposed him to a wide array of classic country artists like Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Hank, Sr. The combination of his northern upbringing and the deep influences of his family's southern heritage helped Moot develop a unique sound which can only be defined as "honky-tonk" – "roots" tunes with a distinct edge and attitude.
At an early age, Moot displayed an interest in both music and acting. After high school, he did stints as a laborer and pool builder while focusing his efforts on his musical career, eventually moving to New York City. Moot was soon heard by Fred Boenig who ran WDVR-FM, a local radio station out of Sergeantsville , NJ . There, Moot was featured on a live weekly hillbilly radio show called "Heartlands Hayride." Boenig also helped Moot record his first real demo.
In 2001 Moot moved to Nashville to pursue his career. There, he continued honing his own brand of contemporary roots music and started sending out demos. Eventually, acclaimed honky-tonk artist Rosie Flores recommended that he send his recordings to Pete Anderson and his Little Dog Records. The demo quickly became a favorite around the Little Dog office. Exactly one year after moving to Nashville, Moot found himself on a plane to Los Angeles to make a record with Pete. The debut album drew impressive reviews for its strong songwriting and attention-grabbing mix of classic country with modern sensibilities. Mario Tarradell from the "Dallas Morning News" proclaimed that, "Moot Davis sounds like a long-lost musical sibling of country legends Johnny Cash and Hank Williams" while "Entertainment Today" simply said, "Moot Davis is primed to be the leader in the new insurgent country music scene."
ALREADY MOVED ON marks a new phase in Moot Davis' musical path, reflecting his growth as an artist following years of honing his craft on the road.
As we get set to release our CD on September 28th the cloyingly irksome realization spings upon me making me only WISH that our album were HALF as great as yours!
Moot you're thoroughly and profoundly AWESOME.
We'll be channeling some of your spirit to get us through!
COWABUNGA ALL DUDES and DUDE - ETTES … THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN KENTUCKY BARNDOOR SURFIN' MUSIC... Great stuff on your site and THANKS FOR THE ADD !!!!
Lance Lipinsky and his band the Showdowns make their national television debut on the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN hosted by Le Ann Rimes. Songs include "Don't the Girls Get Prettier At Closing Time" By Mickey Gilley and an original song, "Nothing To Lose Except My Heart. "
