These Things Shall Pass is the 10th full-album release from Memphis-area musician Davis Coen, and fulfills his long-standing goal of recording an entire spiritual-based album. The album nods to a wide range of classic song selections, spanning from time-tested traditional American hymns, such as “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “Old Rugged Cross,” to classic gospel radio cuts as Willie Banks and the Messengers’ “Working For Jesus,” and the title cut, Stuart Hamblen’s “These Things Shall Pass,” famously covered by country music legends Hank Snow and Johnny Cash. The album also has six original songs, including light-hearted duets “Saint Christopher” and “Jesus’ Hand,” with former Billy Joe Shaver guitarist Patrick McClary from Jackson, MS vocally accompanying Coen. It was recorded at Sand Dog Studios in Batesville, MS, and co-produced by Coen and the album’s drummer Ryan Rogers.
Coen may call Memphis home, but he also has a warm place for Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ in West Ashley, where the contemporary country-blues guitarist/singer-songwriter has played dozens of times over the years. It’s no wonder that the folks over at Home Team have dubbed him their “House Man.” Coen returns to his home away from home at Home Team BBQ this Wednesday, Dec. 13 to play with his trio at for an intimate show at a venue that helped Coen gain a Lowcountry following.
Coen’s recordings are strongly rooted in blues, country and religious-based music. He characterizes his style as ‘contemporary country-blues’ — a modern culmination of the hodgepodge of musical influences absorbed from living in the Mid-Southern U.S. and continual touring. He has played festivals, clubs, and bars throughout the U.S. for over twenty years, and has been billed repeatedly at world-renowned Mid-South regional events such as King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Ark. and Juke Joint Festival in the Mississippi Delta. Coen has also enjoyed a dozen blues circuit tours of Europe, sharing bills with R.L. Burnside, Koko Taylor, Big Jack Johnson, David “Honeyboy” Edwards & Bo Diddley. He’s also headlined on more diversified festival bills with Wynton Marsalis, Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt, Tito Puente, Toots & the Maytals, Richie Havens, Mountain & Eric Burdon.
Coen’s music has been featured in several TV broadcasts, including: Martin Scorsese’s PBS special The Blues; reality cable show Lizard Lick Towing; and a documentary on the music of the late Hillcountry Mississippi blues matriarch Jessie Mae Hemphill, Dare You To Do It Again. Coen’s recent accomplishments have also included spotlights on NPR’s Morning Edition and World Café programs, Dan Aykroyd’s weekly House of Blues Radio Hour, and a ten-year run on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio’s Bluesville.
Davis Coen plays Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Home Team BBQ in West Ashley, located at 1205 Ashley River Road. For moreo infortmation, call 225-RIBS or visit www.hometeambbq.com.
