Reviews

CREATIVE LOAFING:

TITLE: "Age ain't nuthin' but a number"
Spencer Durham releases new album
BY HAL HOROWITZ
Published 02.21.07


At 18, few high school seniors have released two albums of original material, toured as an opening act for well-known country stars, taken fourth place in the prestigious Open Mic Madness at Smith's Olde Bar, or been a finalist in the Eddie's Attic Singer/Songwriter Shootout, all while keeping up their grades. Clearly Spencer Durham is not your average high school senior.

At a transitional age when many late teens are acting out through introversion or rebelliousness, Durham has rallied his parents and younger sister -- employing them as his street team, management and support.

This already-unique situation is made more so because the Dahlonega-based Lumpkin County High School graduate-to-be -- who plans to take a year off to work on his music career before continuing on to college -- taps into a retro, '70s-styled, Southern singer/songwriter rock vibe uncommon to most of his contemporary indie-, punk-rock- and hip-hop-loving peers.

"I'm the only kid in my school that listens to that stuff," he says. "That comes mainly from my dad."

Durham not only writes music that must seem like musty, ancient history to his schoolmates, but on his new album, Much More Than Words, he works with established veterans who have been playing professionally since before Durham was old enough to stumble around his crib.

Producer/drummer Gerry Hansen assembled members of renowned musician/sideman Randall Bramblett's band (guitarist Davis Causey, bassist Mike Steele and Bramblett himself on organ), to infuse a skilled yet rough-edged polish to the 18-year-old's sophomore release. The result recalls the roots sensibilities of the Allman Brothers Band, the Black Crowes and Widespread Panic, without the extended jams. Perhaps not surprisingly, Durham's fan base skews to those twice his age and he plays clubs he couldn't otherwise get into.

The cultural dichotomy of his youth, the music he loves and the esteemed company he keeps is not lost on Durham, who is humbled by the experience. "I've spoiled myself with the musicians I've worked with. I've gotten to the point where I can't work with anyone my own age because I know what good is."

At this stage, that's a good problem to have.

Hittin’ The Note - #52

Much More Than Words
Spencer Durham
Cavender Castle Entertainment
by John Lynskey

Spencer Durham is the very definition of an “up-and-coming” artist. This 18-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist from Atlanta recently released his second CD, Much More Than Words, and its mature, full sound certainly belies Durham’s tender age. The album’s 12 tracks allow Spencer to display his songwriting prowess, but it is his strong, earthy vocals that really grab the listener. His voice warrants comparisons to Gregg Allman, Chris Robinson and Van Morrison, which puts Spencer in heady company, but he is clearly establishing his own sound.
One of the strong points of Much More Than Words is the first-rate playing that backs Spencer, courtesy of the Randall Bramblett Band. Randall adds his distinctive keyboard style throughout, while guitarist Davis Causey adds tasteful licks that complement perfectly Spencer’s vocals. 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.

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.
118 (Cavender Castle)

Charleston Daily Mail – Charleston, WV – January 18, 2007
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. Even with occasional missteps (the completely ordinary "Floodwater") and if Durham's lyrics leave something to be desired (uncomfortably apparent on "Daydream"), he's clearly headed in the right direction and appears positioned for a long career. (www.spencerdurham.com) – Michael Lipton

Check out this online review of my single "I Wonder Why" at www.gigatracks.com

“At last a talented musician who understands he’s not here to save my Restaurant; but together we can both thrive and grow if we work hard. In a world of primadona musicians who show up late, have loud sound checks and feel I could not stay open another day without them; Spencer Durham is a true professional far beyond his years. His work ethic and reliability is surpassed only by his talent.”

“This young man is a true hit and is prepared to help make his show a success in anyway he can. He has affected my bottom line in many ways but still knows who pays him. He is the real deal if you’re looking for an entertaining partner in your business. Get on board the Spencer Durham Express now. No matter how much money he makes us now, we will probably not be able to afford his talent for long.”

“Big time success is imminent.”

“Holy Crap!  Spencer Durham's got it going on.  This kid is half my age and he's got all the hottie waitresses at Smith's Olde Bar getting all Mary Kay Laterno on him.  He's not a bad looking kid, but it ain't his looks making them weak in their knees.  The kid has style.  He's not trying to have style, in fact he seems blissfully unaware of it for the most part.  And when I tell you that the kid was rocking, I'm not using a tired olde cliche'.  The kid gets lost within the ditty and just sort of sways left and right with all the carefree abandon of tripping neohippies at a Widespread Panic 
show - in a way that is best described as rocking.” 

“Quite frankly it pisses me off how good he is.  And he's not good for a teenager - he's just good.  When I was his age I was still writing songs about cheerleaders that broke my heart and what an arrogant ass my football coach was.  Spencer's material is exceptionally honest and good without pandering, never reaching into that ego-stroking cock rock whiney bullshit they play on the radio these days.  It really makes me wonder what he was listening to when he was a wee lad.”

"Spencer Durham first came to my attention as a competitor in the Open Mic Atlanta Songwriter Competition. Spencer won a preliminary round and then he placed as third runner-up in the finals.”

“His style and energy is combined with a lyric maturity that is usually reserved for grizzled veterans, not young upstarts. This young man has a bright future in music.”

"Spencer Durham really emerged onto the scene during Open Mic Madness 2005. His success hinged on a great combination of raw talent, genuine enthusiasm, and boundless energy.

When Spencer took the stage during the finals, the crowd’s response grew to a feverish pitch. I was forced to put in earplugs for the first time during that week, because it was impossible to even hear myself think.”

“I wouldn't let this kid's age scare you away: He can flat-out play.”

"He writes, he plays, he sings. Very well I might add. In an industry overloaded with no talent, non-writing, out of tune singing models, Spencer Durham is a breath of fresh air!”

NOTE: Spencer wrote eight of the twelve tracks on this record. The title track “I Wonder Why” earned Spencer Third Runner-Up in Open Mic Atlanta’s Singer-Songwriter Competition.

Spencer Durham—Workin’ it in North Georgia
By Beth Snider, 400 Edition

Spencer Durham is undeniably the hardest working teenager in North Georgia. While other soon-to-be high school seniors have been flipping burgers, going to band camp, or touring prospective colleges, Spencer has been earning a living singing, playing, and writing music.

If you remember our last interview with Spencer almost two years ago, we touted him as an Extraordinary Kid. Now, at eighteen, he has blossomed into an even more extraordinary young man. The maturity he has gained in twenty months has been meaningful to the complexity of his songwriting, his presence on stage, and his vocal abilities. When we met recently, he sang one of the songs from the new album he’s working on, and the room was immediately filled with an unbelievable power and resonance.

Spencer has been busy recording his new album, Much More Than Words, at Gerry Hansen’s Creekside Studios in Lawrenceville. Widely recognized as one of the finest session drummers around, Hansen has also toured with and produced records for several national acts including Shawn Mullins and Randall Bramblett (formerly with Traffic, Widespread Panic, and Sea Level). Spencer comments, “Gerry played drums on my first album, I Wonder Why, and I always loved watching him play live. 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. It was like he was reading my mind. Gerry has really helped take my material on to the next level. The new record is more raw and edgy than my last, and it gives me a chance to show what I can do with my vocals.”

Spencer’s vocal style has been compared to Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band) and Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes). Hansen brought in several of the players from Randall Bramblett’s band including Davis Causey, Mike Steele, Mike Hines, and Bramblett himself to play on the project. Spencer continues, “The players on this record are all seasoned pros. I’ve learned a bunch watching them work. They have pushed me hard and I like to think I’ve become a better musician through this experience.”

Much More Than Words will contain twelve original compositions and is described as a mix of blues and classic rock, with just a touch of folk/pop. Spencer and Hansen will have completed the project in roughly six weeks, an impressive feat considering the full schedule of shows both have played during that same time period.

Although Spencer has his own band, he performs most of his shows solo, but he’s not the typical “sit on a stool and play the guitar” singer/songwriter. His shows are high energy and he never sits still. And if you get to one of Spencer’s shows late, don’t expect a table to become available. He’s one of the few acoustic acts that packs the house and keeps it packed for the duration of the show—one of the reasons that music venues invite Spencer back again and again. For example, on August 20, Spencer has been invited back to Atlanta’s Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater’s On The Rocks Club for a show just prior to The Allman Brothers Band concert. This is in follow-up to a successful show he did at Hi-Fi Buys before The Black Crowes concert earlier this summer. In fact, he’s on track to perform about 200 shows this year. He may just be the hardest working teenager in the country.

Part of Spencer’s maturing process in the last few years has been attributed to opening for acts such as The Zac Brown Band. Zac 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 with Zac 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 and AAA (Adult Album Alternative) radio. He will also tour college towns throughout the Southeast this fall both solo and with his band.

While he’s touring college towns, Spencer and his father/manager Rick Durham will be checking out the right fit for Spencer’s pursuit of a degree in Education. He already loves to teach and has a knack for it. Spencer also says, “The summers off would be a great time to play!”

The Durhams—father Rick, mother Cyndi, and sister Delaney—are still Spencer’s biggest fans, supporting and promoting Spencer’s music with a true passion. It’s refreshing to see a father and son doing something together that they both enjoy. Rick goes to every show with Spencer and can often be seen lugging equipment or running sound.

Spencer recently turned down a record deal, feeling that there was very little being offered that he and his dad couldn’t do themselves. So Spencer and Rick are also in the process of forming their own music company, Auraria Entertainment. Much More Than Words will be the first release on this new independent label and will be available October 1. Advance orders can be placed at www.SpencerDurham.com. You won’t want to miss his CD Release Party on Friday, October 27, at 9:00pm at The Castle in Dahlonega. To get more information on this event, call 706-654-6268.

Be on the lookout for Spencer’s shows in the area, which you can always find in the Events section of 400 Edition or on his website.

Southeast Performer Magazine
December 2005 Issue
Shawn Haney- writer

Open Mic Madness
Smith's Olde Bar
Decatur, Ga.
October 3-8-2005

Open Mic Madness at Smith's Olde Bar in Decatur took off a few months later than usual this year. The annual six night contest featured 128 bands and artists.

Host and brainchild of the event, Josh Rifkind shined every night and day of this week-long affair, winning over the audience with his wit and charm.

The final four bands and remaining four solo artists stormed through the week with scintillating and thrilling performances, advancing to rounds five, six and seven Saturday evening. Dented, a power trio, brought the artillery with them, shredding out an intense performance after humbly taking the stage. At one point, the lead singer exclaimed, “Thanks so much! This has been the best week of our lives.” It certainly was equally memorable for those of us who felt both the magic and the madness this week. Their song was full of wit with poetic lyrics, searing drum rolls and a pulsating base line.

Could Georgia, a southern classic rock quintet, ruin the party? Effortlessly captivating the crowd with their smooth, laid back attitude, generating music owing much to the influences of southern rock heroes the Allman Brothers, Georgia spilled out their lush vocals, charming lead guitars and good old southern rock vibe helped by their sharp trio of backing vocals. In the end, it was Georgia advancing. They brought the house down with their sheer stage presence, their well-defined southern rock roots style and a convincingly crafty song, complete with a pianist-frontman in John Cougar Mellencamp/Axl Rose tradition.

Morning State did their best to dazzle the crowd and judges with their dreamy, serenading to-the Milky Way chorus, with spacey and heavily delayed guitars and steady percussion. Their singer was as cool and relaxed as a secret agent after a few martinis, shaken, not stirred. Morning State was compelling, yet this four piece could not equal or top the magic and hauntingly beautiful artistry of Sovus Radio, who blazed through another round, winning over their rapidly forming fan base with four minutes of experimental rock, tempo changes and enough mind-gripping pschydelia to bring a swirling circus like feel to every amazed set of hears.

In the solo artist category, two females of quiet peace and significant talent stole the show at least for a little while. Kyshona Armstrong gave an endearing performance with a simple, yet convincing song that conveyed a sincere message: “a dream to find oneself and your purpose.” She was charming and full of life, charismatic, soulful and uplifting. She had the audience engaged.

However, Abby Owens did even better, churning out a sad, melancholy tune with a confident and clear vocal delivery. Her bluesy, raspy voice was breathtaking and unforgettable, with her potential star quality high on the scale of future music success. Ota cm be hard for a singer to genuinely deliver the emotions of hurt, pain and loss effectively enough in a song and yet, with complete ease. Owens succeeded.

FOR SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD SPENCER DURHAM, HIS CONFIDENCE AND YOUTHFUL CHARM COMPLETE WITH A COMPELLING VOICE OF THE BLUES AND CRAFTY, AHEAD-OF-HIS-TIME SONGWRITING WON OVER MANY FANS, NOT TO MENTION THE HEARTS OF THE LADIES. HIS “SUPER LIKE A NOVA” SONG WAS SIMPLE WITH THE SHOUTED CHORUS “YOU’RE SO FINE”. MICHAEL LEVINE DID ALL HE COULD TO STEAL THE LIMELIGHT AWAY FROM DURHAM, BUT HIS COURAGEOUS AND PASSIONATE RENDITION OF “BREAKDOWN” WASN’T ENOUGH, AS FANS OF DURHAM CONTINUED TO CALL OUT HIS NAME. IT WOULD BE ABBY OWENS, SPENCER DURHAM, GOERGIA, AND SOVUS RADIO WHO WOULD GO ON TO THE FINALS.

Georgia won the coin toss to go first, and delivered a purely enjoyable southern rock song, dedicated to their vision of “lazy weather”. Emotionally compelling, touching style and punctuated with passionate guitar solos and dazzling piano work, the song worked magnificently well. Would they have the fire to outlast the youth of experimental rock or would Sovus Radio douse their burning fires within?

Sovus Radio brought with them their weirdness, their wit, their charisma, passion, and exceptionally hip fashion senses to perform a completely new song. BOTH SPENCER DURHAM AND ABBY OWENS GAVE STIRRING EFFORTS, BEARING THEIR COURAGE, HEART AND CHARACTER IN EQUAL FASHION. DURHAM PERFORMED A SIMPLE, YET EFFECTIVE BLUES SONG. HIS YOUTHFUL MANNERISMS, WILD HAIR AND VOCAL APPROACH SPELLED PURE FUN.

Yet it was Abby Owens, who all week showed why she would be considered a finalist. Owens can really write a song and she knows it. Her undeniably rich voice was golden in the clutch. No matter what the song, or what key, her voice, range and delivery was always clear, cutting through the air and captivating listeners from the very first row to the last.

Sovus Radio was the winner and Abby Owns the runner-up. This was truly a week of magic, fun and miracles. While the winners were quite talented, some of the best musicians in the city were on display at this annual event.

-Shawn Haney

Title: "SPENCER DURHAM REVISITED"

"This extraordinary kid has been making an even bigger name for himself since we featured him on our cover this time last year. We caught up with Spencer recently and were not amazed that others have begun to recognize his talent...

Although he hasn't signed yet with a record company, Spencer has been blowing out the competition in a series of Open Mic competitions around Atlanta. He's also busy keeping a busy schedule, playing from Atlanta to Murphy, North Carolina.

His fan base is growing, especially when he plays his original songs like "I Wonder Why". Spencer's hair is longer too, and somewhat of a trademark to his fans. He grew it because he said his Dad finally caved in and quips that he hopes he doesn't look back in 20 years and ask himself "What was I thinkin?".

His energy is inexhaustive and his busy schedule has made quite a showman out of this 17-year-old. He refers to his act as "High Energy Acoustic Music". He has learned how to hold the attention of a crowd during a four hour gig with just his guitar, his voice and that endless energy. And, he's really only getting started.

Old hands in the Atlanta music scene refer to Spencer as "having style" and being, "blissfully unaware of it."

Spencer's future looks even brighter, so look for his up and coming performances in our event listing. See if you agree that Spencer is destined for stardom.

If you'd like to learn more about Spencer, purchase his CD, or book a performance, contact Cavender Castle Entertainment at 706-654-6268 or go to www.spencerdurham.com."

TITLE: "DURHAM TOPS THE LIST WHEN IT COMES TO ENTERTAINMENT"

"If you are planning to head out this weekend in search of good entertainment, put your gas money back in your wallet and head to the town square instead. Rapidly gaining the reputaion of a small music mecca, Dahloenga has a multitude of talented musicians. A case in point is seventeen year old Spencer Durham, a student at Lumpkin County High School and one heck of a talented singer-songwriter. Don't just take my word for it, ask the judges at the 2005 Smith's Olde Bar Open Mic Madness contest where Durham took fourth place from nearly 200 entrants.

Durham first gained attention winning the Lumpkin County Middle School talent show in the spring of 2003 with his rendition of an old Ron Wood and Ronnie Lane tune entitled “Ooh, La, La”. Winning this competition gave Spencer a jolt of confidence and he began to take music more seriously.

In the fall of 2003 he competed in the local Kiwanis Talent Showcase and won first place. Spencer says, “I thought it was really cool to make $100 (the first place check) for less than five minutes of work!” More importantly, he was discovered by Dahlonega native, and national recording artist Kurt Thomas. Kurt took Spencer under his wing and introduced him to Kurt’s record producer, Lee Davis of Lee Davis Studios in Maysville, Ga.

Davis was impressed with the raw young talent and work began on cutting Spencer’s first record. Spencer’s early songs were very poetic and Bob Dylan like in style. Lee helped develop these free flowing poems into songs with structure and melodies that would be worthy of radio airplay. Although a very talented musician in his own right, Lee also brought in seasoned session players to give the project a fully produced feel.

At the same time, Spencer began working with his vocal coach, Rhetta Butler from Rhetta Butler Studios. Rhetta, known in some circles as “The White Soul Sister” has been a recording artist for Atlantic Records and Warner Brother Records.

A couple of issues became evident during the production of Spencer’s record. One, was that his voice was going through the normal changes that face adolescent boys. Also, Spencer was becoming a very prolific songwriter and kept penning material that was deemed better suited for the project than some of his earlier works.

In total it took almost 18 months to finish Spencer’s debut record, “I Wonder Why”. Spencer says, “It seemed like we were never going to finish it. I kept wanting to go back into the studio and re-do the vocals. Or, I wrote a new song that I really needed to record. I read somewhere that you never really finish a record…. You abandon it. I learned that is the truth. We finally had to say ENOUGH and finish the project.”

“I Wonder Why” contains twelve songs, eight that were written by Spencer. The record is a nice mix of pop, blues, and classic rock with just a touch of country. The title cut, “I Wonder Why” (co-written by Kurt Thomas) has received radio airplay in numerous markets including Dahlonega’s own Gold 104.3 FM.

The record is available at The Crimson Moon and Vintage Music in Dahlonega. Also at Music for A Song at The Outlet Mall in Dawsonville and at Ponce De Leon Music in Cumming.

Although only sixteen at the time, Spencer received his degree at Honky-Tonk University during the summer of 2004 touring with national act and country music star Craig Collins. Collins, from Blairsville invited Spencer to open for him during a summer long string of dates throughout Texas and Louisiana. Durham recalls the experience, “Traveling with Craig and all of the other musicians was a real thrill. I got to see what life on the road and on the bus was all about. Funny how you can become an expert on chicken fried steak as you travel from town to town! I really learned a lot from Craig. He is simply the best at working a crowd and commanding attention on stage.” Apparently some of that technique must have rubbed off on Spencer.

In March of 2005 Spencer had the thrill of opening for Country Music Superstar Sara Evans at The Castle in Dahlonega. Spencer recalls, “She was so down to earth and approachable. If I ever make it big, I hope I can handle the attention the way she does. Plus, what a voice!”

During August and September 2005, Spencer competed in the twelve week singer-songwriter competition Open Mic Atlanta sponsored by Southern Comfort and Dave FM. He qualified for the finals performing the title cut from his CD “I Wonder Why”. He performed the song in the finals against twenty four of the best singer-songwriters in the Atlanta area and came away with a third runner up placing.

David Craver, President of Open Mic Entertainment said, “His style and energy is combined with a lyric maturity that is usually reserved for grizzled veterans, not young upstarts. This young man has a bright future in music.”

During the first week of October, Spencer finished as the Runner-Up in the Acoustic Bracket of Open Mic Madness held at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta. This was a grueling, week long single elimination competition between 128 of the best musical acts in Georgia. These acts were made up of full bands and solo acoustic singer-songwriters. Spencer says, “It was kind of like being in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Every night you go up on stage and perform one song and then you are judged against another person in your bracket. If you win, you move on. If not, you go home. It was really nerve racking because the results in the early rounds were not announced until the following morning. I couldn’t sleep wondering how I did that night.” Durham seemed to gain momentum and confidence far beyond his years as he progressed through the week. On the last night of the competition, he went up against a very talented twenty one year old artist named Abby Owens from Waycross, Ga. in the finals of the Acoustic Bracket. Although Abby was judged to be the winner, Spencer was really pleased with his showing. He says, “If you would have told me in the beginning of the week that I would place in the top four of 128 acts I would have said you’re crazy. Abby has a great voice and I wish her all the best.”

Mr. Josh Rifkind, the host and Master of Ceremonies for Open Mic Madness said, “Spencer Durham really emerged during Open Mic Madness 2005. His success was due to a great combination of raw talent, genuine enthusiasm, and boundless energy. When Spencer took the stage during the finals, the crowd response grew to a feverish pitch. I was forced to put in earplugs for the first time during that week, because it was impossible to even hear myself think. This kid's age is not a factor… he can flat- out play.”

Based upon his strong showing at Smith’s Olde Bar, Spencer was invited to participate in the Singer-Songwriter series at that storied watering hole just last week. Prior to seeing Spencer, host Kahle Davis was lukewarm to the idea of booking such a young talent.

However, after Spencer’s forty five minute set Kahle jumped on stage and exclaimed “Holy Crap!” He later went on to say, ”Spencer Durham's got it going on. This kid is half my age and he's got all the hottie waitresses at Smith's Olde Bar getting all Mary Kay Laterno on him. He's not a bad looking kid, but it’s not his looks making them weak in their knees. The kid has style. He's not trying to have style; in fact he seems blissfully unaware of it for the most part. And when I tell you that the kid was rocking, I'm not using a tired old cliché'. The kid gets lost within the ditty and just sort of sways left and right with all the carefree abandon of tripping neohippies at a Widespread Panic show - in a way that is best described as rocking.”

Davis continued, “Quite frankly it irritates me seeing how good he is. And he's not good for a teenager - he's just good. When I was his age I was still writing songs about cheerleaders that broke my heart and what an arrogant jerk my football coach was. Spencer's material is exceptionally honest and good without pandering; never reaching into that ego-stroking, whiney rock crap they play on the radio these days. It really makes me wonder what he was listening to when he was a wee lad.”

Spencer’s father, Rick Durham has an answer to that. “Stating when Spencer was four or five the two of us would go fishing a lot. All the way to and from the lake we would listen to the stuff that I grew up with. Groups like The Allman Brothers, and The Grateful Dead, along with a healthy dose of Van Morrison and John Prine. Spencer wasn’t interested in listening to Barney or any of the other little kid tapes. He wanted to hear Bob Dylan. I guess some of that influence stuck.”

Spencer attributes much of his recent success to his vocal coach, Ms. Rhetta Butler. Durham says, “She knows how to pull notes from me that I didn’t know I could sing.” Rhetta has also successfully improved Spencer’s stage presence. Some of her tips made a difference in Spencer’s electrifying performance at Open Mic Madness. Rhetta can be reached at www.rhettabutler.com . Spencer goes on to say, “Rhetta tells you like it is. She doesn’t sugar coat things when you need to work harder and stretch your limits. Plus, she has already been there- done that as a national recording artist. Nothing gets by her. Anybody who wants to get serious and learn from the best should go see Rhetta”

One of Spencer’s biggest fans is Chef Glenn Gagne, Corporate Chef for Spondivits Restaurants. Spencer has become a regular fixture at Spondivits Cumming location with shows every Sunday from 4:00-8:00pm. Chef Glenn says, “In a world of primadona musicians who show up late, have loud sound checks and feel I could not stay open another day without them; Spencer Durham is a true professional far beyond his years. His work ethic and reliability is surpassed only by his talent. This young man is a true hit and prepared to make his show a success in any way he can.”

Spencer responds, “Chef Glenn is the simply the best. He gave me a shot when I was just getting started and he has really helped open doors for me. I can’t thank him enough believing in me the way he has.”

Spencer has a variety of upcoming show dates throughout North Georgia. Most notably he will headline at The Crimson Moon on Saturday November 5th. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 with student ID.

This November 5th date is a homecoming of sorts for Spencer. Two years ago when Spencer was just getting started as a performer, Crimson Moon owner Dana LaChance gave him his first gig as a headline act. Spencer remembers how scary that first show was. “I really didn’t have enough material for the whole night.” “I kept looking at my watch and hoping I would not have to repeat any songs!”

That will not be a problem this go-around. Spencer is now a polished entertainer. He is a staunch believer that no two shows should ever be the same. He refuses to write out set lists in advance. Instead, he prefers to feed off of the crowd energy and selects his next song on the fly, ala his heroes, The Grateful Dead. Spencer has developed great instincts for what each audience will appreciate and he works hard to make each show a unique experience for his fans.

Spencer is managed by his father Rick Durham. Rick goes to all of Spencer’s shows to help with merchandise sales and assist with sound. Spencer’s mother Cyndi Durham and eight year old sister Delaney can also be seen at many shows along with his grandparents Russ and Betty Nichols. Cyndi says, “Spencer has become a good entertainer, but better than that he is a good kid. He makes me laugh every day.”

Take the opportunity to witness this talented young musician for yourself. Spencer has a variety of show dates throughout Norht Georgia. Most notably he will headline at The Crimson Moon on Saturday November 5th. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 with student ID. It will be worth the nominal cost.