Get It - Little Dave & Charlie Feathers Jr, available from Little Dave (see link below) or at his gigs.
Recorded live at The Sun Studios, Memphis 21/10/2024.
Recording Engineer-Dane Giordano
Assistant Engineer/studio bookings-Lydia Fletcher
Master & Edits- Jono
Photos-Trudie Park
Artwork- Steve Napper
Reviewed by: Terry Mead 10/02/2025.
Little Dave aka Dave Harp from England has teamed up with Bubba Feathers (Charlie Feathers jr) to record a live album at the legendary Sun Studios. Little Dave whose regular band “The Sun Sessions” are a four piece real authentic 1950's Rockabilly / Rock n Roll band based in South Coast UK.
Members of the Band for this album:
Little Dave- Vocals, Harmonica & rhythm guitar.
Bubba Feathers- Lead guitar, vocals.
Carl Casperson- Double bass
Pat Sullivan-Drums
Special guest Graham Winchester-Piano
Track by track Review:
Bottle To The Baby- So, we kick off with the first of four Charlie Feathers classics, more reverb than the original but my it’s a cool rendition from Little Dave & Charlie Feathers Jr with some neat guitar work thrown in.
One Hand Loose- The ultimate bopper and my favourite, this one ticks all the boxes again with some cool guitar breaks that will keep you hopping and bopping to the awesome beat.
Tongue Tied Jill- Yes the Feathers sound has been recaptured again here its lively, jolly with a terrific slap beat and cool vocals.
Folsom Prison Blues- Johnny Cash’s legendary number done to a finely tuned piece; there’s some masterful echo produced here that adds character to the song which Little Dave’s vocals portray.
Blue Moon Of Kentucky- The old Bill Monroe classic which Elvis famously sang at the Grand Old Opry in 1954; this is a really neat cover of Elvis’s version sung by Little Dave under the lights of the Sun Studio that has held and nurtured that unique sound.
I Forgot To Remember To Forget Her- Another Sun Elvis classic with a sound recreated here that will bring shivers down your back with its uncanny resemblance to the king.
Stutterin” Cindy- The last of the four Feathers covers and a great track to pay homage to. It’s a hard track to cover in my view but saying that Dave & Bubba have worked it well as has the recording engineer Dane Giordano. I particularly like the echo on the vocals defiantly a fifties trait with some mean slap thrown in.
Big Boss Man-Sang by Elvis from the film Clambake, Dave gives it a more bluesy adaption with some deep harmonica sounds rather than Elvis’s made for the movie production.
Whole Lotta Shakin Going On- Jerry Lee’s masterpiece is given an airing here with guest pianist Graham Winchester giving it the works, more of an extended version than the original but like that it’s a colourful piece of entertainment.
That’s All Right- The song that started the rockabilly revolution for the Sun label captured here by Little Dave in its entirety from start to finish. Plenty of slap and interesting sound work on the guitar.
Will The Circle Be Unbroken- A Christian hymn written in 1907 and reworked by The Carter family in 1935 using “Can” instead of “Will”. Keeping to the Christian format Dave & Bubba sing this as a farewell lament and it a very fitting one to and they can be heard thanking each other for the experience.
So, to Summarise: What an experience to record in the legendary Sun studio add to that the son of another legend Charlie Feathers playing alongside you, this has shown up in the eleven tracks produced pure quality that will have you Rockin’ grab yours today!
Links to Social Media:
Track List:
1.Bottle To The Baby
2.One Hand Loose
3.Tongue Tied Jill
4.Folsom Prison Blues
5.Blue Moon Of Kentucky
6.I Forgot To Remember To Forget Her
7.Stutterin” Cindy
8.Big Boss Man
9.Whole Lotta Shakin Going On
10.That’s All Right
11.Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Bio (from website)
Little Dave has been described as dynamic experienced front man, with multi rang vocals, exceptional vintage harp skills. Song writing skills craft impossible catchy riffs, hypnotic melodies and songs you feel you have always known and are just like the classics you love.
He previously fronted The Backbeats and Hullabalues which were on the Rock n Roll scene. The Backbeats were under a one-off record deal with Nervous Records, who at the time were one of the top Rockabilly record labels.
From the early roots of Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues and Rock n Roll - Listen to the sounds of the legends that recorded at Sun Studios Memphis, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash etc.. and many many more
During The Backbeats days they were playing major festivals, Rock n Roll weekenders & venues throughout the UK and Europe, Including a high-profile gig at the Officers Christmas party Buckingham Palace!
They appeared in a BBC talent show with judge Noddy Holder, which they went on to win by an overwhelming majority. One of Little Dave's original songs has been featured on Homes Under the Hammer !
Little Dave has also recently been featured in the 'Blues Matters' magazine, which mentions the 'Little Dave & The Sun Sessions' Debut album 'Memphis boogie' describing it as " a hot mix of covers and originals".
Backed by the experienced musicians that form the Sun Sessions, together they will get the party started, your feet tapping and the dance floor filled. With their high octane and energic performance, they can’t stand still!
They have played all the major festivals and Vintage / retro festivals in the UK and some in Europe. Rock n Roll clubs, and other events all over the UK
Little Dave & the Sun Sessions have appeared and been featured in UK Rock n Roll and UK Rock Magazines.
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