by Rhetta Akamatsu

The moment we pull into the parking space at Darwin’s and before  we are even out o the car, we here a shout, “Well, hey there” and Voo Davis is headed across the parking lot, ready with hugs and handshakes and that great, wide-open grin Are we life-long buddies? No, we met once before, when he played Darwin’s right after I reviewed his CD, “Midnight Mist,”  which I loved, and we are Facebook friends.

That’s the kind of guy Davis is, open and friendly and warm, and of course that comes across on stage as well, making the audience feel like close friends just gathered together to enjoy some  great music.  Voo and his fantastic band provided a solid show, full of jams and jazzy blues and including my favorite song, of his, “Riverside Blues.” Together they made as joyful a sound as guitars, sax, keyboards and drums can make!

As usual, we had to leave after the first set, but as we said goodbye, Voo invites us to look him up if and when we get to Chicago and we’ll go looking through the blues clubs “My wife would love that!” he said, and he was sincere.. Wouldn’t that be a kick? We just may show up on your doorstep one day, Voo!

As for you, if you get a chance to go see Voo Davis anywhere, expect to have a great time with a new friend and some fantastic music. And if you haven’t experienced, the most recent album, “Midnight Mist,” grab it!  You’ll be glad you did!