Hoowrecker by David Aaron DeSoto

David pens poetic, powerful lyrics in settings that are sparse and serious, thus allowing the guitars and vocals to stand out and take center stage. Yet, his music is colorful and diverse. DeSoto draws from a varied pallet ranging from blues, classical, folk, rock and even world. Although the first three tracks were my favorites the rest of the CD is worthy with thought provoking songs in liberated, lone guitar landscapes. The delivery and jangly tone of the acoustic on the opening track 'Haunting Halo' is immediately inviting but listen closely and the song has a dark undercurrent. 'Last Night' features accomplished, Spanish style picking and slide melding with the compelling, contemplative refrain "last night"... 'Des Lied . . .' creatively blends musical styles, ending with a biting electric outro. The vocal inflections are also interesting with some sounding like soft howls. David Aaron DeSoto is a unique musician crafting songs that are candid and captivating! • Recommended Tracks: (1,2,3) [USA/TX 2005 - web] (2006 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

The Artist

David Aaron DeSoto was last seen on the music front as the former singer / songwriter of San Antonio-based pop-metal band Hawkryder, whose single “Chasing a Dream” fared well on the local rock airwaves in the late 80’s. David eventually left Hawkryder to finish college and law school. He published his first novel, In the Palm of the Jaguar, in late 2001.

After completing the draft of his second novel, David decided to take a brief break from writing and sweep some of the dust off of his guitar. Weaving together bits and pieces of songs he had scribbled during the Jaguar project, he recorded a few of the songs in his living room. On the recommendation of his friend and recording engineer, the tracks were pitched as short soundtrack pieces for an independent filmmaker. David then reentered the studio to co-produce a demo for a friend and an aspiring singer. While working on new songs for his friend's demo, he ended up singing and playing guitar in addition to his production duties. He decided to record his own demo as soon as production ended.

David’s time in the studio evolved into a full-length album. Taking the musical elements from the soundtrack pieces, and left over lines from his writing journal, he went about reinventing his sound. Hoowrecker took shape as a result of the process.

Hoowrecker is difficult to define in terms of genre and style. It’s a mix of folk and blues with a touch of classical. And it’s all David. He handles all of the vocal and guitar work on Hoowrecker.

David kept it simple – yet the tracks contain complexity in their composition, lyrics and recording mix. The result is soothing, ambient, haunting.

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