Up until now, Simply D has been gathering a large local following, but the release of their new CD may garner them national fans Ð itÕs just that good.

The band, comprising DÕLaine ÒDeeÓ Evans on vocals and percussion and Steve Davis on vocals and guitar, typically performs live as a duo and sometimes as a trio when they add bassist Billy Weyforth. But even though theyÕre a small group, their sound can fill a room because they have a large musical set-up. Their sound on their CD is even further enhanced.

Simply DÕs music is difficult to define, and even Evans and Davis admit this. TheyÕre evidently influenced by a myriad of musicians and musical styles. Somehow they manage to boil these down into an infectious blend of smooth jazzy folk with a kicking groove. With a sound like this, backed by EvansÕ stellar voice, I wouldnÕt be surprised to soon see Simply D at the top of the Adult Alternative charts.

Evans and Davis have been playing together as Simply D for three years, plus two years when they were both members of the Toothless Roostermen. According to Evans, they decided to strike out on their own because Òwe wanted to start writing original music, do our own thing, and play as often as we could.Ó In their three years, they have been perfecting their craft and writing songs.

Evans says she decided to try performing in a duo in order to play music full time because a duo has an easier time getting bookings. Davis agrees, stating, ÒThere are more smaller places that have music rather than big clubs that book full bands.ÓWhen playing out, Simply D performs a few covers, but their greatest passion is creating their own music. Primarily, Davis writes the music and Evans is the lyricist. ÒTypically what happens is IÕll be doodling on my guitar and come up with something, then Dee will take it and put some lyrics to it,Ó Davis explains.

ÒItÕs basically a collaboration. There are times when Steve has things heÕs working on, and he knows the parts he wants to have lyrics put to,Ó Evans says.

Davis continues, ÒOr sheÕll give me a lyric and ask what I can do with it. So, itÕs a nice complementary thing because I struggle with lyrics and Dee doesnÕt.Ó

Their new CD, which is self-titled, contains nine original tunes that are a credit to EvansÕ and DavisÕ songwriting talents. They hope to have a CD release party in April. Up until now, Simply D has not been actively pursuing a recording contract. They were waiting to perfect their CD. Now, Evans states determinedly, ÒOur goal is to get signed. WeÕve been making a lot of contacts, though, who are waiting for the CD. WeÕll be taking it slowly. Now is the time when I think the power is back in the musiciansÕ hands with the Internet and the breakdown of the big labels. This is really the time for a musician to have control of what theyÕre doing and where theyÕre going to play and what kind of music they want to put out.Ó

These days, commercial music seems to be too defined and limiting, but Evans and Davis are confident that the Internet can change the way music is presented to the public. ÒMusic is just so segmented now,Ó Davis complains. ÒI remember when youÕd hear a soul song then a rock song all on the same station. Now itÕs like one thing and thatÕs it. You have to change stations to hear any sort of variety.Ó

ÒBut the Net has been incredible in just opening things up,Ó Evans explains. ÒThereÕs networking all over the place, and the people whoÕve been fired from the big labels in all the mergers and all are starting their own smaller businesses. The Internet is gonna help.Ó

Evans and Davis agree that they enjoyed making their first CD, but that it took a lot of hard work. ÒI enjoyed it very much,Ó Evans says, Òbut itÕs extremely different from playing live. Live is always wonderful because you get immediate feedback from an audience, and you get really geared up when friends come in or the people are tapping their feet to the music. With recording, you have to get into a certain state of mind where you try to feel the same energy you feel when you play live, but there are so many technical things involved with recording that you have to be very careful of everything you do.Ó

Simply D was joined in the studio by Mike Bitts of Innocence Mission on bass and Aaron Walker of the Tom Larsen Band on drums. Evans has always appreciated the friendliness of the Lancaster music community. ÒIÕve known musicians in this area for years,Ó she says, Òand IÕve always welcomed the camaraderie in this town with open arms because thereÕs room for everybody. I havenÕt come up against anybody who has a major attitude problem.Ó

Evans and Davis both admit, though, that theyÕve witnessed a sad trend in our local music scene in recent years: a dwindling live scene. They attribute this to stricter drinking laws and, surprisingly, karaoke. ÒThe bar scene has lessened, and there used to be a lot more clubs,Ó Davis states.

ÒCertainly the drinking laws have something to do with it, plus there are so many restaurants in the area now that have bands, and everyoneÕs spreading out. There arenÕt a lot of venues that have a full nightclub kind of environment. Also, some bar owners know that karaoke will bring people in, so why pay a band?Ó

Evans admits that she would leave this area if it would further her music career, but Davis is more apprehensive, explaining, ÒThis is a great location because itÕs close to all the major cities within a dayÕs drive.Ó

ÒSteve has family here, but weÕd take him on the road for a little bit,Ó Evans jokes. Luckily, Evans and Davis receive little family opposition for their involvement with music. ÒIÕve hit some conflicts,Ó Davis laughs. ÒIÕve gotten into trouble, but my wife is so understanding. SheÕs great. You know, IÕve only been with her a few times on New YearÕs Eve.Ó

Both admit that music is worth any sacrifice, though. ÒFor me, music is a release,Ó Davis states. ÒItÕs the best way of expressing myself because you get that immediate response. I also do artwork, and that is just a very different way of expressing yourself. Music is so right, then and there.Ó

Evans continues, ÒMusic is a part of me. I cannot imagine my life being complete without expressing it through music or singing. ThatÕs just the way it is; it has to come out. For me, thatÕs always been there. Personally, I went through years where I neglected that, and then realized my life wasnÕt complete without doing something, and I wanted it so badly that you make sacrifices for doing it. It makes you feel great.Ó

Evans and Davis have been making music for years, but, in a way, it seems as if theyÕre entering a new beginning or a new stage in their career. Both admit they think there will be a lot of changes ahead in the new year. ÒI donÕt think thereÕll be a change in our approach to the music,Ó Davis says, Òbut hopefully changes in where weÕre playing and in what comes out of the new CD.Ó

ÒWeÕll definitely be doing more writing,Ó Evans states, and then reflects, ÒI think 2000 is gonna be a really good year ... it better be!Ó