» Joshua Davis http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:59:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Steppin’ In It http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org/steppin-in-it/ http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org/steppin-in-it/#comments Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:17:28 +0000 su http://dgmf.starsunflowerstudio.net/dunegrassmusicfestival.org/?p=795 Rare indeed when a collection of songs creates an entire world. Yet that’s exactly what transpires with Steppin’ In It’s “Simple Tunes for Troubled Times.” Sonically painting with a pleasant array of old time country swing and blues, this Lansing, Michigan, quartet brilliantly updates a re-surging American musical genre. Populating this 11-track collection is an aging riverboat, the ghost of Richard Manuel, innocent love, dreams that are dashed, and the struggle of the common man. It’s a world Woody Guthrie knew about, and sang about. Steppin’ In It conveys the wonder of the American spirit, but also its heartache. Led by composer/guitarist Joshua Davis, traditional roots music is celebrated here by plaintive vocals and sweet harmonies, plus musicianship that is positively staggering. The number of instruments manned by Davis, upright bassist Dominic John Suchyta, steel guitarist Joe Wilson and the harmonica-playing Andy Wilson includes trombone, trumpet, Cajun accordion, dobro, slide guitar, Cajun fiddle, clawhammer banjo. Even rarer, though their competence on these instruments is clearly superior, there is little, if any, soloing taking place. All four musicians play to support the essence of the song. A true ensemble, their wonderful arrangements take us on a rich journey through the jaunty “Give My Regards to Miss Moline,” the Texas swing of “Hittin’ on All Six,” the laid-back “Wren’s Lul-la-by,” the true-blue “The Long Haul,” and my fave, “Washtenaw County.” Though mostly originals, there’s also a rollicking version of Randy Newman’s “Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man).” These artists earn my vote for band of the year.

© Fred Kraus, Minor 7th

]]> http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org/steppin-in-it/feed/ 0 Joshua Davis & Fool Rooster http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org/josh-davis-fool-rooster/ http://dunegrassmusicfestival.org/josh-davis-fool-rooster/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:54:47 +0000 su http://dgmf.starsunflowerstudio.net/dunegrassmusicfestival.org/?p=853


Raised between the steely clamor of Detroit and the stillness of Michigan’s pristine Upper Peninsula, Joshua Davis is a rare combination of both city and country. These distinct yet complimentary faces of Davis’s home state of Michigan are lovingly melded in his songwriting.

Joshua writes songs, plays acoustic and electric guitar, National steel, mandolin and clawhammer banjo, tries to juggle, has a not-so-secret penchant for prestidigitation and a BA in theatre from Michigan State University.

Alongside touring nationally with Steppin’ In It, he plays intimate solo shows, stripped down duo shows, and concerts backed by his roots-rock band featuring bassist Dominic John (steppin’ in it), Mike Lynch (larry mccray band) on Hammond organ, and percussionist Mike Shimmin (millish).

After six years and three albums as the primary songwriter of Steppin’ In It, Davis released his debut solo record, Fool Rooster in 2005. The album secured the album of the year slot on WDBM’s cult-favorite show, “Progressive Torch and Twang”. The album features all original songs (many co-written with long time collaborator Aaron Allen)and a who’s who of Michigan musicians.

Photography By: Bear Yovino

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