Shenandoah Davis returns to Colorado to preview The Company We Keep

Colorado native singer-songwriter Shenandoah Davis has been a Seattle resident since 2006, and it was there that her musical career took off—but she still has a soft spot for the state where she grew up. Now, at least once a year, Davis returns to Colorado to visit her old haunts and play her lovely, piano-driven songs.

Davis usually coordinates her visits to Colorado with a larger tour. This time around, she’s been moving throughout the Midwest with her longtime friend, cellist Danah Olivetree, playing a slew of shows in support of Davis’ upcoming album, The Company We Keep. 

Like Davis’ 2008 album, We; Camera, this newest effort brims with great arrangements. A couple of songs have lively drums, and others feature Stealth Ulvang and Griff Snyder of the Denver-based band Dovekins on bass clarinet and trombone, respectively. Most of the songs highlight Davis’ knack for the keyboard, as well as her unique voice.

On the album’s opening track, “So Many,” Davis’ voice flutters gracefully around a sea of swelling strings and guitar. On “Separate Houses,” Ulvang’s bass clarinet wanders playfully around Davis’ electric piano; “Proof” has a strong, memorable melody; and the album’s closer, “Anywhere,” meditates endearingly on love and perhaps wanderlust. 

Last week, the duo hit Chicago, where they recorded an upcoming Daytrotter session. Denver fans can preview the album’s songs tonight, April 26, when Davis plays at the Hi-Dive, with The Lumineers, Dovekins, and Chimney Choir. If you miss it, Davis will return May 14 to play the Dikeou art gallery with singer-songwriter Zoe Boekbinder.

After The Company We Keep is officially released on September 10, Davis will start a nationwide tour before heading to New Zealand and Australia for a winter 2012 tour.