Tanya Davis

Tanya Davis's low, warm voice draws you into her songs like the smell of custard and cinnamon invites a hungry person into a bakery. The PEI-born poet/singer/songwriter has been nominated for a whack of East coast awards over the past couple of years and her sophomore release will almost certainly garner her more of the same recognition. Davis's loquacious compositions, rolling Maritimer "Rs" and subtle but enchanting melodies have a fresh, organic feel. The songs on Gorgeous Morning are unpredictable journeys, intimate explorations of love and loss, art and religion, disappointment and fulfilment. Neither overproduced nor under-worked, the collection possesses a sense of spontaneity that's unique without being inaccessible. At times, her finger picked guitar is spiced up only with little touches of trumpet and accordion. At others, she's supported by drums, synth, electric guitar and a chorus of voices. But without fail, Davis's songs are thought provoking, creative and eminently listenable.