David Silva – Moorpark Oasis – CD Review

David Silva is a singer/songwriter who apparently met his wife in Los Angeles when he moved into a building called Moorpark Oasis. Over the years he compiled his songs and they eventually made their way onto this CD appropriately titled Moorpark Oasis. His website at www.daveworldonline.com has a bit of information but more can be found out about him by reading his interview with Indie Music Digest at www.indiemusicdigest.com.

Moorpark Oasis opens up with a track called “Guitars and Shady Ladies”. It’s clear from this opening track that Silva knows his genre and executes it well with a good dose of humor. The trend continues on the following track “Garlic” a great lyric delivered in Silva’s no-frills vocal style against an upbeat, simple rhythm section. The tracks “Hal’s Train Song” and “Travelling” show a more subdued and moody side of Silva and “Travelling” even seems to invoke a bit of Johnny Cash for me. Silva has put together a great collection of authentic folk tunes here and they showcase his ability to write and deliver some very clever and thoughtful lyrics. “Seafood at the Holiday Inn”, is an ode to the road trip dreamers everywhere and the album’s final track “Life is Good” provides a clever lyrical twist on the title. Silva has been compared to John Prine and I hear a little bit of John Denver at times.

Moorpark Oasis features some great guitar playing on both acoustics and electric, the latter delivering some great country twang and rockabilly licks. The rhythm section is simple and fits the support role for this style perfectly – not too busy, not too understated. The production is consistent and also stays out of the way of the music. It would be easy to overproduce an album like this and Silva does just what’s needed by keeping things simple and clear. The production matches the vibe and genre here quite well. If there’s anything missing from the songs it would be more memorable melodies. Silva has some great lyrical moments and delivers his lyrics with vocals that are simple and honest. The addition of stronger melodies could make some of these songs really stick with the listener to a greater degree but Silva gets his point across nonetheless. It would have been nice to see more about Silva himself via his website. There’s little depth of information there and more detail on the making of the CD would have been enjoyable as well. Still, this is a well-done album that delivers on all levels.

Fans of classic folk should love Moorpark Oasis. It’s authentic and Silva manages to keep his tongue firmly in cheek at times and not take himself too seriously. When he does shift towards more moody lyrics and arrangements it’s a welcome contrast and it’s all ultimately very enjoyable. Moorpark Oasis should be well-received and enjoyed by Silva’s fans and ought to garner him quite a few new fans as well.