Orginally from St. John’s Newfoundland, the Canadian-born, David Vaters, has spent his career working with some of the most talented producers and musicians the world has to offer. Recently, he decided it was his turn to be the artist. In doing so, David ambitiously took to recording a dual album project known as, A Voice In The Wilderness.
Contributors to the album include the talented: Tom Hemby (guitars, mandolin), John Hammond and Brian Fullen (drums), Jeff Cox (bass), David Vest and Johnathan Brown (keyboards), Charles Owens (harmonica), Susie Vaters and K.J. Raney (background vocals), and David Vaters (acoustic guitar, vocals).
With a long list of classic influences, including David Bowie, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Leonard Cohen, and others, Vaters’ sound is a respectful ode to the not-so distant past, combined with a faith-based intention that is all his own.
Here’s what we dug most…
Dedicated to farmers everywhere who’ve dealt with heat, fires and drought, Let It Rain, opens the album with a sonic prayer for rain. Vaters’ timbre is immediately reminiscent of Neil Diamond…
“After four years of drought
Please forgive me for my doubt
But I know you’ll work it out…”
The humbling, Running To You, whether dedicated to his deity or his woman, is subtly a Petty-esque affair, complete with classic-sounding organ notes.
With a lovely synth-infused intro, Vaters dedicates the entire 4:57 to the woman in his life on, 8 Ways From Sunday.
Lightly plucked acoustic strings, steel guitar, and a touch of synth make Brighter Than The Stars dreamy and etheric.
Our Favorite Track:
The minimalist, piano-based, It’s Time, is a beautiful song—plain and simple. Closing volume 1 with class, vocally and lyrically, the album has never been better…
“It’s a time to seek, a time to find
A time to rejoice, a time to restore your mind
It’s a time to be ready, a time to be sure
A time to look up, a time to open your door…of your heart
It’s a time to seek a time to find
A time to forgive, a time to restore your mind
It’s time, what are you gonna do?”
With top-notch composing and production—whether you’re religious or atheist, faithful or doubtful—David Vaters’ debut, A Voice In The Wilderness (vol. 1), is music of intention and quality. With faith-based messages that can be open to interpretation, the album creates a space for anyone seeking to be musically uplifted. From a technical/artistic standpoint, in a musical climate which is more and more dominated by quick-fix singles, I admire Vaters’ focus and ability to articulate his debut project in the form of not just one album, but two. Much respect. (Click here to check out music from volume 2).
Whose lovechild…?
A faith-based sprinkling of Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and a few more I’ve not been quite able to articulate…
BELOW, you can listen to David Vaters’ album, A Voice In The Wilderness (vol. 1), and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support David Vaters by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
Listen to David Vaters’ album, A Voice In The Wilderness (vol. 1):
Follow, stream, download & connect with David Vaters online:
