Artist:     Nicholas David

Album:     Yesterday’s Gone

Label:     Wild Heart

Release Date:     11.29.2019

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BUY PHYSICAL

A childhood piano prodigy, a three-sport high school athlete awarded a scholarship in jazz singing, (declined in favor of playing the Colorado club circuit), and in 2014 a finalist on NBC’s The Voice (dubbed “The Family Man” by the cast); Nicholas David’s accomplishments have been many, and considerably more curious than most.

Recently, David toured the world as keyboardist for the Devon Allman Project, just prior to its evolution into The Allman Betts Band. When David ran into rising star Samantha Fish, she asked him to record for her new label, in Louisiana, with Fish producing. The resulting Yesterday’s Gone brings yesterday forward in time, yet still down to the root. Its varying melodies draw on classic Southern folk and soul, combined into an approach that’s entirely new and steamy. Cascading confidently, “Hole in the Bottom” splashes into a world of possibilities, David singing in a charming baritone caw, and ringing the ivories with obvious elation. Guest guitarist Duane Betts steps in halfway through, running along with the melody, and echoing his dad Dickey Betts in his beautiful tone. Deeper shades of Stevie Wonder and a restrained Willy DeVille, or on the bluesy side, Dr. John and Johnny Neel, all color David’s voice.

“Heavy Heart” layers all that excellent timbre over a bed of classic, frolicking soul. Mr. Betts again plays with his heart in the song, challenging David’s lyrics about how we all sometimes “forget to fly.” In the minor-key funk of “I’m Interested,” David veers towards hip-hop, boldly entering a place that he doesn’t really have to. But then “Peel Back the Leaves,” a poem set to a measured, gospel-style waltz, works like a charm. “Curious” rolls freely, David’s piano stunning amid a refrain that takes flight, calling to mind the mid-1970s, countrified Allman Brothers. “Let U Go” features a rap wrapped up tight in affecting emotion, the high lonesome sound of Betts’ guitar the perfect contrast.

Ultimately, regardless of all the twists and turns and Allman allusions, Nicholas David sings and plays these songs with unique soul, imbedded in him as if he were born way down at the other end of the Mississippi from his St. Paul, Minnesota home. Chipping away at this business for 15 years, Yesterday’s Gone signals Nicholas David’s arrival in a big way.

—Tom Clarke