Much More Than Words by Spencer Durham

Among the many highlights to Much More Than Words are the joyous strum-along of “Scared of the Door,” the wicked and nasty “Evil Hearted Woman,” and “Three O’ Clock In the Morning,” which soars majestically. “Something Amazing” and “She Doesn’t Know” are two solo acoustic numbers that serve as platforms for Spencer’s singer/songwriter skills, but it is the road-aching lament “The Traveler” that stands out as the prime cut on this well-structured album.

Randall Bramblett, a true authority on singer/songwriter talents, had this to say about Spencer Durham: “There’s an old soul in that young man. Spencer’s got a great future ahead of him.” One listen to Much More Than Words will prove just how correct Randall’s statement is.

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REVIEW BY: Charleston Daily Mail – Charleston, WV – January 18, 2007, Author-Michael Lipton:

Spencer Durham Much More Than Words (Cavender Castle). With the release of his second CD (his first was released when he was 15), 18-year-old Spencer Durham has quickly placed himself among some tall, seasoned cotton. Hailing from the Atlanta area, Durham is near the epicenter of Southern Rock and the collection of songs - all but one penned by Durham - latches on to that gritty spirit while adding a slightly contemporary Shawn Mullins'-styled edge. Certainly much of the credit goes to vet Randall Bramblett and his band who were enlisted for the project. But in the end, it's the songs - and Durham's surprisingly mature voice - that make it all work. There are echoes of the Allman's on "Scared of the Door," thanks to Durham (who is still in high school) and guitarist Davis Causey's in-the-pocket playing. "Evil Hearted Woman," a pared-down acoustic blues, offers a glimpse of Durham's solo shows while "Three O'clock in the Morning" is a gently rocking, Southern soul ballad featuring Bramblett on Hammond organ. He's clearly headed in the right direction and appears positioned for a long career.

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REVIEW BY: MIDWEST RECORD RECAP – CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 10, 2007

SPENCER DURHAM/Much More than Words: Soulful, rocking Georgia white boy (he's 18 years old) draws national attention with his multi-instrumental capabilities and shows the rest of the world that he has a bright future ahead of him with his second release. Working with Randall Bramblett and his band, Durham delivers a wise performance that you would expect from an older player with more flying time. Don't stick a fork in rock yet when there's up and comers like this coming from places you don't expect.

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PRESS RELEASE: MARK PUCCI MEDIA, Jan 3, 2007

"Much More Than Words", the new CD from 18-year-old singer/songwriter Spencer Durham, produced by Gerry Hansen and featuring special guests Randall Bramblett and the members of his band.

An exciting new talent who is still in high school, Spencer Durham also plays a variety of instruments. His aggressive picking style has been called “rhythm-lead,” which makes one acoustic guitar sound like two or three. He possesses a voice that has been compared to Gregg Allman, Chris Robinson and Ryan Adams, with influences including The Allman Brothers, The Black Crowes, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Van Morrison, The Grateful Dead, Keller Williams, Neil Young, Bob Marley, The Band, and The Beatles.

Much More Than Words was produced by noted session drummer Gerry Hansen, who has toured with several national acts including Shawn Mullins and Randall Bramblett, and also produced Bramblett’s most recent CD, Rich Someday. “Gerry played drums on my first album, I Wonder Why, and I always loved watching him play live,” says Spencer Durham about how the two first hooked-up. “We talked about what I wanted to do on the second album and it was scary how Gerry took off with some of my ideas. Gerry has really helped take my material to the next level. The new album is more raw and edgy than my last, and it gives me a chance to show what I can do with my vocals.”

Hansen brought in the members of Randall Bramblett’s band, including his long-time guitarist, Davis Causey, as well as bassist Michael C. Steele, Mike Hines (guitar, harmony vocals) and Bramblett, himself, to play on the project. Randall plays keyboards and organ on six of the tracks.

“Spencer is a very talented singer/songwriter, “says producer Hansen. “He knows what he wants but is still very open to new ideas. I was given a great deal of trust and creative freedom to do what I do. Spencer knows that you get the players that you want and let them be who they are. He would come in with these great songs and, when we started adding all of the colors to them, his eyes would light up and his energy went through the roof. It was quality entertainment. Watch out... he's got it going on.”

Adds Randall Bramblett: “There’s an old soul inside that young man. Spencer’s got a great future ahead of him!”

“I’m especially proud of my vocals on this album,” adds Durham. Gerry refused to use auto-tune on his pro-tools rig during our sessions. I guess he knew that if he pushed me hard enough we wouldn’t need it. I’m glad we didn’t take the easy way out and cover my mistakes with technical voodoo. It feels pretty good to know that the vocals are all me.

“10 of the 12 cuts on the album are full band productions, but I wanted to do a couple of scaled-back songs that were just me and my guitar. I’ve made a lot of fans doing the acoustic singer-songwriter thing, so those two songs are for them.”

Part of Durham’s maturing process in the last few years has been attributed to opening for acts such as The Zac Brown Band. Brown is also a North Georgia native who has a strong fan base throughout the Southeast and is now being noticed on a national basis. It was touring with Brown that Spencer was introduced to the college circuit, whose audiences really connect with Spencer’s music and style.

Spencer’s promotional efforts for Much More Than Words will target College, Americana and AAA radio. He will also tour college towns throughout the Southeast the spring of 2007. A national tour is being scheduled for the summer of 2007.

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