DEVON
Long Sleeve Story (Three Word Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Still a teenager, Devon has been marching steadily through the musical world, from busking the street corners of Charlottesville, VA, to the local coffeehouse scene, to touring with her homies the Dave Matthews Band. At the same time, her sound has expanded at a rate that has outstripped her promo package. Long Sleeve Story, produced by Matthews bassist Stefan Lessard, is hardly the product of the commune-bred teen folkie the news clippings that accompany it describe. It's a tougher, wiser, far more mature musical package than those clippings might intimate.

That's not to say that folkie can't be found somewhere within the sonic wrapper. There's a lyrical strength and emphasis that is born of all those nights standing alone with nothing but her guitar and her words to protect her. Ballad tempos predominate, too, and while she's more than willing (and able) to plug in, her acoustic guitar is never buried in the mix. Lessard has used the additional musicians (including some noteworthy contributions from trumpeter John D'Earth)to build a richer palette for Devon's talents without diminishing the strong personal elements that brought her attention in the first place.

Long Sleeve Story should bring her more attention, and future efforts will doubtless bring more changes, but those are changes to look forward to, because they're clearly built on a strong foundation of talent.

Track List:

25 MPH * Sleep Satisfied * What I'm Used To * Fast Statue * Better At Night * Keep Light * Way Up There * She's Not There * Let Me In On It * Long Sleeve Story * Swamp Love * Bird Feeder

© 2001 - Shaun Dale