"Just For Starters" is Barrie Davis's first CD and contains a varied selection of the songs

for which this popular South Australian folk performer is well known. The presentation is

simple, showcasing Barrie's main strength which is the depth, power and quality of his

singing, although his 12 string guitar adds vigour and tone. The material ranges from the

whimsical ("Stagolee") to the poignant ("Song for a Friend") and provides a thought-

provoking experience for the listener.

Barrie is well known to South Australian audiences, having performed regularly at most of

the folk venues in the State.  Although not covered on this first CD, he has an extensive

collection of railroad songs guaranteed to raise the tempo in a folk session as well as

some well received humorous material. Just For Starters should introduce Barrie to a wider

audience who I am sure will like his work as much as the folk community in South

Australia."

  - Henk de Weerd ,Folk Till Midnight, Radio 5EBI Adelaide

ABOUT THE SONGS - I chose these songs from the many that I've learned (and forgotten!) over more than 30 years singing and playing. They are all special to me in one way or another  I hope you like them as much as I do.  

Colours of Australia 

One of the very best songs I know about Australia, written by Enda Kenny who wasn't born here. Perhaps it's the fresh view of Australia that gives songwriters like Enda the perspective to write songs like this.

Twelve Months to the Day 

Lee Newton has managed to capture how many of us feel about our fathers in this song. I hardly knew mine, he died when I was only 8, but this is how I'd like to think of him.     

Somewhere in America  

The classic Eric Bogle songwriting talent at work  a simple idea in a simple song that produces a truly lovely result. This one is for my wife who has tolerated my periodic absences on business for many years with nary a word of complaint.

Stagolee 

I learned this song from a recording Eric Darling made with The Rooftop Singers 30 years ago on a collection called Walk Right In (remember that one?). It was the wondrous rich sound of this old album that made me take up the 12 string guitar.   This is my adaptation of a song I've heard done by many performers in many different styles.

Absent Friends 

A lovely Vin Garbutt song about lost love. The message is clear, if sad, and I always think of the flavour of the song as wistful.

If I had a Son

Written by Steven Millichip and recorded by Vin Garbutt, this is one of the all time great songs about the life of the coal miners in Britain, and a pretty tough life it is too!

Loving Arms 

This beautiful song sits across the country/folk boundary (wherever that is).  In 25 years of singing it, I always seem to see someone in the audience sitting there thinking about how well it fits something they remember.  How about you?

Song for a Friend 

Another Enda Kenny song, this one from his earlier writing about lost love and the choices we make as we pass through our lives.

Field Behind the Plough 

From the late and great Stan Rogers, one of the truly classic songs about the life of the farmer. In this case it's Canadian farmers, hence the reference to old measures like rods and sections, but the hardship, sadly, is universal.

Old Man River 

This superb song of pain, suffering and hope for a better life has been around nearly 100 years  old enough to be called a folk song!