Music Review
Freelance Music Reviewer
What You Should Know
David Billingsley released “House of David Volume 1,” his sophomore studio album worldwide on July 31st, and I’m so glad about it. Again, he teamed up with Devine Jamz Gospel Network to help spread word about his new album. And like his first release, I have the blessing of reviewing his second album.
What you should know? “House of David Volume 1” is a mellow, rich and fully developed set of peaceful piano music, perfectly summing up the profound adoration and respect Billingsley has for his late father; David Columbus Billingsley II, who passed away on June 28. This new jazz album is uplifting, complete with 17 songs that do stand up to the fear of COVID-19.
What It Sounds Like
“House of David Volume 1” effortlessly fuses the jazz, gospel and classical music genres. It sounds like a beautiful mash up of Alicia Keys and Wolfgang Mozart. The first song on the album, the title track, opens innocently. When I listen, I feel emotional, my heart gets heavy for the next three minutes. This tells me that David Billingsley was missing his father, dearly.
David Billingsley Shares Heartfelt Visual
I’m pleased with the outcome of this project. For a sophomore feat, it’s remarkably polished and developed — hence my comparison to Alicia Keys and Mozart. The music tells you a story, if you let it. It simply says, “here’s the way I heal, try it with me….”
Track two, ‘For Dad,’ is a little more upbeat, and it sounds like a declaration of endless love. Billingsley plays the keys with heart, and you can hear it instantly. If there were lyrics to this song, I imagine they’d croon some of the reasons Billingsley III will be so missed.
Track three, ‘For Mom,’ is a fun and upbeat song, full of charming melodies that make me smile.
Spiritual Highlights
This album was recorded at Wild Sound Recording Studio, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A professional recording studio once used by the late Cam Waters, Sheila E, Charlie Roth, and more. An intimate setting, only surrounded by supportive and creative energies, “House of David Volume 1” came to life, and now gives even more life with its healing nature.
From meditative tracks like ‘All Be The Same’ and ‘Hope,’ to rich ones like ‘Geneva St.’ and ‘The Messenger,’ this album sees me unlock a deeper spiritual side of myself. I can easily slip into prayer by listening to “House of David Volume 1.”
David Billingsley, with this new release, celebrates family, faith, contemporary jazz, and further exemplifies ideal indie music. The passion in the music is evident — it encourages stilling the mind, relaxing the body, and soothing the soul.
For Fans Of
Lang Lang, The Piano Guys, Michael Lewin
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend the streaming of “House of David Volume 1.” As I mentioned in my review of this album’s heartfelt music video, the energy of “House of David Volume 1” is stellar and sentimental. And, I still know Billingsley III is making his father very proud.
This new jazz album doesn’t make me forget about my problems, it helps channel the strength and wisdom to actually solve them. I think David Billingsley is a great artist, and this sophomore studio album emphasizes that.