Volume 33 Number 3 April 14, 2009

Danny Hay Davis packs Mama Maria's
& Queen of Hearts in popular jams

By K.R. Laurent

Diamonds in the rough: Two types of diamonds are discovered on Wednesday evenings in Portland, Ore. The first, Danny Hay Davis and his Rat Pack and the second, pizza. Davis and his Rat Pack perform their brand of rock-n-soul music with family-friendly guest artists at Mama Maria's, 5234 S.E. Powell.

Davis, on guitar and vocals, along with his core group consisting of Gary Fountaine on bass guitar and Ron Hval on drums, invites stage performers of all ages.

Mama Maria's is the perfect fit as an all age-family friendly environment. "Morgan the Man," a 10-year-old, puts his lyrics on the music stand, waits for the beat from the band and breaks out singing We Will Rock You by Queen, to the delight of the band and audience. Grant Richards, an 18-year-old high school senior, brought his keyboards to the Rat Pack show and performed as if he was a seasoned jazz phenomenon.

Davis, Fountaine and Hval, all natives of Portland and longtime friends, blend together the sounds of their instruments in a comfortable and flawless ambiance of sound.

Davis works into a version of the Bill Withers song Ain't No Sunshine. His guitar work blends the styles of many great guitarists with an exciting personal style of his own. Davis' vocal work embodies the raspy tones of the blues with the energy of dance.

A native of Portland, Ore., Danny Hay Davis has created his distinct brand of music for over two decades. His website describes his music: "Where rock & roll, folk, country and blues melt into an eclectic blend of Americana, Danny Hay Davis' songs of life, struggle and pain, funny songs, as well as tragic tales, have been heard all over the world." He played over 600 shows as lead guitarist for the blues, country, rock band The Yanks from 2001 through 2004, opening for acts like Molly Hatchet and Jimmy Van Zandt and also headlined various A.B.A.T.E. sanctioned events.

Davis has performed his original material on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn. His material has garnered radio air time in four countries. Davis' CDs sell in at least nine countries and 14 states. He currently performs with his five-piece band and as a soloist/duo/trio in many Pacific Northwest and central Florida locations.

Fountaine, a true local legend in the bass guitar department (Nu Shooz, Body and Soul), is the Stanley Clark of the Northwest. With a long musical resume, Fountaine brings a fountain of truth to the sounds and rhythms of the band. It is not very often a bass player is heard playing the melodic lines over the rhythm of the band, as a solo.

On Fountaine's website, Reggie Houston states: "One of the Pacific Northwest's most versatile bassists, Gary Fountaine has recorded and performed with such diverse artists as legendary jazz/rock drummer Bernard Purdy (Aretha Franklin & Steely Dan), innovative blues guitarist Joe Lewis Walker (BB King, James Cotton) and hard rock greats CC Deville (Poison) and Bobby Borg (Warrant).

Fountaine first rose to fame in the mid-'80s with the band Nu Shooz. Nominated for the "Best New Artist" Grammy in 1986, New Shooz went on to earn a gold record the following year for their Atlantic Records release Poolside. The band toured the world and made several television appearances including MTV, American Bandstand and Solid Gold."

From 1987-1997 Fountaine held down the bassline for R&B act Body and Soul, fronted by singer Linda Hornbuckle (short-list nominee for nomination to Grammy Awards). During his decade with the band, he performed on the NBC Today Show and the Pat Sajak Show, among others.

In between his busy schedule of gigging and sessions work, Fountaine dedicates himself to teaching all styles of music for beginning-advanced students. In addition to teaching private lessons, he has participated as a bass clinician in music clinics, including one with Michael Braun (Hall and Oates Band).

Hval (Bad Motor Scooter), who rounds out the core trio, puts forth his years of experience performing all styles of the music Davis and guests bring his way. By creating clean, crisp tempos and tasteful drum fills, Hval works the musical space, pushing the limits of time beautifully.

Davis and his Rat Pack perform regularly with a different cast of musicians including Frankie Redding, Kenny Goldstein, Johnny Valentine, Michael Braun (Hall & Oats), to name a few.

The second diamond at Mama Maria's is the pizza, however, not just any pizza. It's a family-owned business that serves a variety of Italian cuisine. Mama Maria's, moving into their third decade of service, offers experience, service and great tastes. The menu provides all your Italian favorites; spaghetti, cannelloni, lasagna, and Mama's own mozzarella and chicken pasta dish. Italian sandwiches, salads and soups are also available.

The pizza menu is packed full of options, with a whole array of toppings to choose. When your pizza arrives, it is cut in Mama Maria's famous diamond shape slices. With a wine list and full service bar, this is place to be.

Family-friendly Mama Maria's, consisting of two dining rooms and a lounge area, hosts Davis and his Rat Pack Wednesdays from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. All ages are invited to come by and listen and even perform. Live music is featured on weekdays as well. (See ad and Bandstand for schedule.)

The Danny Hay Davis trio, with bassist Fountaine and drummers Hval or Vaughn also hosts the Thursday evening open jam session at The Queen of Hearts, located at 5501 S.E. 72nd Ave. near S.E. Harold. The Queen of Hearts offers live music featuring Steve Lockwood on Wednesdays, a Sunday jam with Chris Beck and various bands on weekends. See Music on Tap and ad this issue or call 503-788-9844 for more information.

Danny Hay Davis not only performs with the Rat Pack, he is also a talented songwriter with CDs of his original music available. To purchase his music or to get more info on Danny Hay Davis visit: www.dannyhaydavis.com . For free downloads and great personality gems, check out the MySpace site as well. (See Bandstand).