CD REVIEW: Silverbird Duo - Silverbird
December 26, 2009
David Leinweber has been busy in the North Georgia music scene for quite a few years supporting other musicians, teaching, and performing in a variety of incarnations. His most recent effort is a self-titled CD from his band, Silverbird. On Silverbird, Leinweber plays electric and acoustic guitars, piano, and mandolin, while longtime co-conspirator, Bob McMillan plays acoustic guitar and provides backing vocals. Billy Gewin plays bass and organ and sings while George Sandler plays drums. Leinweber wrote all the songs but one and Gewin produced.
The first cut, Thursday Ride, is a mellow folk/pop tune looking back fondly and ahead resolutely. Leinweber references several of his influences and the band rocks along nicely. Heart of a Song is one of my favorites from the CD with Leinweber's dirty electric lead. The Musician's Prayer is a country waltz that made me smile. “And God bless the songs that still fill our heads, From the Beatles and Stones to the Band and The Dead. The songs that you love when your 16 I'm told, Stay with you always and never grow old.”
Silverbird features two live songs recorded live at Eddie's Attic, the best venue in Atlanta for live acoustic music. The first, Daphne is a gem. Leinweber's deft fingerpicking highlights a well crafted and performed song. The second is Some Like It Hot, a blues from Bob McMillan featuring Leinweber on a very tasty electric lead.
Silverbird is a great band to see live, as a full band or as the duo of Leinweber and McMillan, but if you can't hear them in person, then pick up a copy of Silverbird. You'll hear great picking combined with good songwriting. What more could you ask?