FAIR PLAY is trio David Abeles, Will Connolly and Elizabeth A. Davis’s self-titled debut EP. Original cast members of Broadway’s TONY-winning smash hit musical ONCE, the three artists collaborate to make more music together, infusing singer-songwriter roots and an improvisational vibe.
While modern music has been moving towards a more synthesized brand of sound, there has been an increase in bands that focus on traditional, rootsy songwriting. Mumford & Sons, Head and the Head, the Avett Brothers, Iron & Wine, and the list goes on and on. FAIR PLAY’s debut Ep firmly establishes them as a collective who sits comfortably within these ranks.
The EP begins with the poignant ” Marla Jo (feat. Will Connolly),” and it’s a great introduction to FAIR PLAY’s sound and sensibilities. They aren’t quite folk, not quite baroque, not quite Americana, not even alt-pop, but they fall somewhere between all of these spectrums. Underlining everything is each member’s earnest lead vocal delivery on their chosen tracks and the fantastic harmonies done in turn by the other members.
I don’t have the songwriting credits, but a large part of the beauty in their music lies within FAIR PLAY’s performing skills. Drift (feat. Elizabeth A. Davis) plays perfect testimony to the above affirmation, as does Sweet Camellia (feat. David Abeles).
FAIR PLAY stands in stark contrast to much of today’s music which is manufactured for fleeting infatuations of cash, ego and glamour. The true beauty is in the simplicity of the tunes – yet as simple as the music may seem, it resonates emotionally so that it continues to captivate and inspire. Each listen is rewarding and emotionally fulfilling. There is just something about each voice that will make you swoon just a little bit. Not only the voices that we hear, but the way the words are written.
What these 3 artists have put together is really something special. The songs are easily relatable, and the stories they sing come to life when put to the minimal, uncluttered acoustic instrumentation – piano, guitar, violin…some percussion and not much else. This is really quite a beautiful track list…and far too short!
This album isn’t filled with formulas for radio success, but I could easily hear “Marla Jo (feat. Will Connolly),” on any mainstream radio chart. It just has that catchy, infectious vibe, with anthemic harmonic chants that will have you bellowing along to its call!
FAIR PLAY sound as if they purposely set out to make an EP that is enjoyable, and makes no pretenses about delivering anything more than just good music. A total change from the overproduced, sample-filled and loop-infested songs doing the rounds, FAIR PLAY seem to be saying to the rest of the music world “Hey guys, you don’t need to do all that stuff – just make music!”
The musicality of the instruments, the lyrics, and vocal ability of FAIR PLAY is truly exhilarating. They make the kind of music that you are drawn to because it brings a Zen-like quality to your soul and a smile to your face. How many artists that you listen to, can accomplish that!
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