Benjy Davis Project
Encyclopedia
Benjy Davis Project was formed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
in 2001 as a simple folk-rock duo, but quickly grew into a popular regional band. Eventually expanding into a six-piece group, the Benjy Davis Project has recorded four albums and two EPs. They have played across the country as headliners and support act on shows with John Mayer
, Better Than Ezra
, Sister Hazel
, North Mississippi All-Stars and others, as well as events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2009 and 2010, the band performed at Hotel Carolina
, an annual two-day singer-songwriter festival held in South Carolina.
on June 11, 2002 and an EP The Practice Sessions
, on May 4, 2004. Bogalusa issued their second full-length album, The Angie House
, on September 27, 2005.
, released on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music
in August 2008, and re-released Dust
on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs. Dust
was produced by David Z.
(Prince
, Fine Young Cannibals
, Jonny Lang
, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
, Big Head Todd & the Monsters) and was the culmination of all the best creative parts from the band’s past. “These sessions were more raw, more real,” Davis said. “David wanted to record us where we were and how we played at that moment in time. And we were introduced to more elements of the arrangement process, the architecture. And we did it in four days, so there was more pressure to perform, in a good way.”
In January 2009, The Benjy Davis Project appeared on The Rock Boat
, the live music Caribbean cruise founded and headlined by Rock Ridge Music labelmates Sister Hazel
. In July 2009 labelmate Tony Lucca
joined their tour as their supporting act.
, on March 2, 2010. Lost Souls Like Us
was recorded at Rivergate Studios in Hendersonville, TN and was co-produced by Bobby Capps (.38 Special
) and Jason Spiewak. The album featured the current band line-up of Benjy Davis and Mic Capdevielle. In addition to Davis and Capdevielle, the album featured a cast of seasoned studio musicians: Mark "Sparky" Matejka of Lynyrd Skynyrd
, Danny Chauncey of .38 Special
and Jason "Slim" Gambill of Lady Antebellum
all contributed guitar parts; Ethan Pilzer (Jewel
, Big & Rich
) played bass; Spiewak and Capps played piano and organ; and Sara Jean Kelley sang background vocals.
Benjy Davis Project toured extensively over the next year in support of Lost Souls Like Us
. In January 2011 they released a digital-only album called Sincerely featuring acoustic renditions of several songs from previous albums, as well as a new track called "Crashes". Since February 2011 the band has been on hiatus, citing the need to "clear their heads, re-energize and to allow Davis some time to write new songs".
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
in 2001 as a simple folk-rock duo, but quickly grew into a popular regional band. Eventually expanding into a six-piece group, the Benjy Davis Project has recorded four albums and two EPs. They have played across the country as headliners and support act on shows with John Mayer
John Mayer
John Clayton Mayer is an American pop rock and blues rock musician, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He moved to Atlanta in 1997, where he refined his...
, Better Than Ezra
Better Than Ezra
Better Than Ezra is an American alternative rock trio based in New Orleans, Louisiana.-Formation and early success:Better Than Ezra was formed in 1988 by its four original members - vocalist and guitarist Kevin Griffin; Joel Rundell, the lead guitarist; bassist Tom Drummond; and drummer, Cary...
, Sister Hazel
Sister Hazel
Sister Hazel are an alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida, whose style also blends elements of folk rock, pop, classic rock 'n' roll and southern rock. Their music is characterized by highly melodic tunes and generally optimistic lyrics. The band's instrumentation often features abrupt...
, North Mississippi All-Stars and others, as well as events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 2009 and 2010, the band performed at Hotel Carolina
Hotel Carolina
Hotel Carolina is an annual singer-songwriter music festival which is held in Isle of Palms, South Carolina. Featuring an array of touring singer-songwriters on the scene today, Hotel Carolina was conceived to provide an opportunity for fans to see a number of nationally-touring singer-songwriters...
, an annual two-day singer-songwriter festival held in South Carolina.
The Early Years (2001-2007)
Louisiana singer/songwriter Benjy Davis formed the Benjy Davis Project as a folk-rock duo in Baton Rouge in 2001. Originally, the group members were Davis and drummer Mic Capdevielle. Eventually, the outfit expanded into a six-piece with the addition of Anthony Rushing (violin, mandolin, vocals), Jonathan Lawhun (guitar, banjo), Brett Bolden (bass) (later replaced by Matt Rusnak), and Michael Galasso (harmonica, keyboards, vocals). The group self-released its first album More Than LocalMore Than Local
More Than Local is Benjy Davis Project's debut album. It was released on June 11, 2002. It included songs that became staples of the band's live shows, including "The Day That I Die" and "Louisiana Saturday Night".-Track listing:...
on June 11, 2002 and an EP The Practice Sessions
The Practice Sessions
The Practice Sessions is Benjy Davis Project's first extended play album. It was released on May 4, 2004. It consists of five songs recorded during a rehearsal from a live sound board direct to two tracks.-Track listing:...
, on May 4, 2004. Bogalusa issued their second full-length album, The Angie House
The Angie House
The Angie House is Benjy Davis Project's second studio album. It was released on September 27, 2005. The album title refers to the small town of Angie, Louisiana where the band lived communally while working on the album...
, on September 27, 2005.
Dust (2007-2010)
Real Records stepped in to handle their third full-length release, DustDust (Benjy Davis Project album)
Dust is Benjy Davis Project's third studio album. It was released on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music in August 2008, and re-released Dust on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs...
, released on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music
Rock Ridge Music
Rock Ridge Music is an independent record label based in Newark, New Jersey. Some of the more recognized artists on the Rock Ridge roster include Reel Big Fish, Sister Hazel, Psychostick, Attack! Attack! UK, The Ike Reilly Assassination, and Ingram Hill....
in August 2008, and re-released Dust
Dust (Benjy Davis Project album)
Dust is Benjy Davis Project's third studio album. It was released on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music in August 2008, and re-released Dust on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs...
on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs. Dust
Dust (Benjy Davis Project album)
Dust is Benjy Davis Project's third studio album. It was released on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music in August 2008, and re-released Dust on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs...
was produced by David Z.
David Z.
David Z is a music producer, engineer, mixer, and writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota who currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He is most well known for his long-standing work with Prince, but has also contributed to award winning albums by Etta James, Billy Idol, BoDeans, Buddy Guy, Neneh...
(Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
, Fine Young Cannibals
Fine Young Cannibals
Fine Young Cannibals were a British band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1984, by bassist David Steele and guitarist Andy Cox , and singer Roland Gift...
, Jonny Lang
Jonny Lang
Jonny Lang is a Grammy award-winning American blues, gospel, and rock singer, songwriter and recording artist. Lang's music is notable for both his unusual voice, which has been compared to that of a forty-year-old blues veteran, and for his guitar solos...
, Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has released several studio albums and experienced a rare level of commercial success both as a blues artist and a young musician.-Biography:Shepherd graduated Caddo Magnet High School in Shreveport, Louisiana...
, Big Head Todd & the Monsters) and was the culmination of all the best creative parts from the band’s past. “These sessions were more raw, more real,” Davis said. “David wanted to record us where we were and how we played at that moment in time. And we were introduced to more elements of the arrangement process, the architecture. And we did it in four days, so there was more pressure to perform, in a good way.”
In January 2009, The Benjy Davis Project appeared on The Rock Boat
The Rock Boat
The Rock Boat is an annual rock-themed "floating music festival at sea."The Rock Boat concept was born in 2001 with a joint venture from Gainesville, FL alternative rock band Sister Hazel and Atlanta, GA travel company Sixthman in a partial charter aboard the Carnival Jubilee. Sister Hazel was also...
, the live music Caribbean cruise founded and headlined by Rock Ridge Music labelmates Sister Hazel
Sister Hazel
Sister Hazel are an alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida, whose style also blends elements of folk rock, pop, classic rock 'n' roll and southern rock. Their music is characterized by highly melodic tunes and generally optimistic lyrics. The band's instrumentation often features abrupt...
. In July 2009 labelmate Tony Lucca
Tony Lucca
Tony Lucca , is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and sometime actor. He is perhaps best known for starting his career on the Mickey Mouse Club. After the Mickey Mouse Club, Lucca went to LA for a brief career as an actor, then became a full-time musician, releasing over seven studio albums...
joined their tour as their supporting act.
Lost Souls Like Us (2010-present)
Benjy Davis Project released their fourth studio album, Lost Souls Like UsLost Souls Like Us
Lost Souls Like Us is Benjy Davis Project's fourth studio album, released on March 2, 2010. It was recorded at Rivergate Studios in Hendersonville, TN. The album featured the current band line-up of Benjy Davis and Mic Capdevielle...
, on March 2, 2010. Lost Souls Like Us
Lost Souls Like Us
Lost Souls Like Us is Benjy Davis Project's fourth studio album, released on March 2, 2010. It was recorded at Rivergate Studios in Hendersonville, TN. The album featured the current band line-up of Benjy Davis and Mic Capdevielle...
was recorded at Rivergate Studios in Hendersonville, TN and was co-produced by Bobby Capps (.38 Special
.38 Special
The .38 Smith & Wesson Special is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round...
) and Jason Spiewak. The album featured the current band line-up of Benjy Davis and Mic Capdevielle. In addition to Davis and Capdevielle, the album featured a cast of seasoned studio musicians: Mark "Sparky" Matejka of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
, Danny Chauncey of .38 Special
.38 Special
The .38 Smith & Wesson Special is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson. It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round...
and Jason "Slim" Gambill of Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum is an American country pop music group formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2006. The trio is composed of Charles Kelley , Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott .The group made its debut in 2007 as guest vocalists on Jim Brickman's single "Never Alone", before signing to Capitol...
all contributed guitar parts; Ethan Pilzer (Jewel
Jewel (singer)
Jewel Kilcher , professionally known as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, actress and poet...
, Big & Rich
Big & Rich
Big & Rich is an American country music duo composed of Big Kenny and John Rich. Both members alternate as lead vocalists and play rhythm guitar...
) played bass; Spiewak and Capps played piano and organ; and Sara Jean Kelley sang background vocals.
Benjy Davis Project toured extensively over the next year in support of Lost Souls Like Us
Lost Souls Like Us
Lost Souls Like Us is Benjy Davis Project's fourth studio album, released on March 2, 2010. It was recorded at Rivergate Studios in Hendersonville, TN. The album featured the current band line-up of Benjy Davis and Mic Capdevielle...
. In January 2011 they released a digital-only album called Sincerely featuring acoustic renditions of several songs from previous albums, as well as a new track called "Crashes". Since February 2011 the band has been on hiatus, citing the need to "clear their heads, re-energize and to allow Davis some time to write new songs".
Studio Albums
| Year | Album Details | Peak Chart Positions | Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (Sales Threshold) |
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| US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Rock | US Indie Independent Albums The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels... |
US Heat Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
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| 2002 | More Than Local More Than Local More Than Local is Benjy Davis Project's debut album. It was released on June 11, 2002. It included songs that became staples of the band's live shows, including "The Day That I Die" and "Louisiana Saturday Night".-Track listing:...
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| 2005 | The Angie House The Angie House The Angie House is Benjy Davis Project's second studio album. It was released on September 27, 2005. The album title refers to the small town of Angie, Louisiana where the band lived communally while working on the album...
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| 2008 | Dust Dust (Benjy Davis Project album) Dust is Benjy Davis Project's third studio album. It was released on September 18, 2007. Benjy Davis Project was soon signed to Rock Ridge Music in August 2008, and re-released Dust on November 4, 2008. The new release was remixed and included three new songs...
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| 2010 | Lost Souls Like Us Lost Souls Like Us Lost Souls Like Us is Benjy Davis Project's fourth studio album, released on March 2, 2010. It was recorded at Rivergate Studios in Hendersonville, TN. The album featured the current band line-up of Benjy Davis and Mic Capdevielle...
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— | — | #50 | #15 | ||||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||||||
Extended Plays (EPs)
| Year | Album Details | Peak Chart Positions | Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (Sales Threshold) |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
US Rock | US Indie Independent Albums The Billboard Independent Albums is a chart of the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays in the United States, compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is used to list artists who are not signed to major labels... |
US Heat Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
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| 2004 | The Practice Sessions The Practice Sessions The Practice Sessions is Benjy Davis Project's first extended play album. It was released on May 4, 2004. It consists of five songs recorded during a rehearsal from a live sound board direct to two tracks.-Track listing:...
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| 2007 | Limited Edition
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| "—" denotes releases that did not chart | |||||||||
Compilations
| Year | Album Details |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Paper Trails
|
Former Members
- Anthony Rushing - violin, mandolin, vocals
- Brett Bolden - bass
- Jonathan Lawhun - lead guitar, banjo
- Matt Rusnak - bass
- Michael Galasso - piano, B3 organ, wurlitzer, harmonica, vocals