1/16: Melvin Davis & the Nu Knight Sounds at Beachland

By Frank Lewis on Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 11:08 am

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Detroit has produced many soul singers over the years. But unlike many of his Motown brethren, Melvin Davis never became a household name. Not only a talented singer and songwriter, Davis played drums for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and other Motown artists and even hooked up with Wayne Kramer before Kramer started kicking out the jams with the MC5. Davis made a comeback of sorts last fall when he toured Europe with his new band, the Nu Knight Sounds. His raspy voice gives songs like “About Love” a real gritty feel, and as much as they’re soul tunes, cuts like the bitter “Don’t Want You” and the much smoother “Find a Quiet Place” feature a gruff garage vibe. Davis comes to town tonight to celebrate Beachland co-owner Mark Leddy’s 50th birthday at the Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124). The Bassholes, a veteran garage-rock duo anchored by locally based drummer Bim Thomas, open at 9 p.m. Tickets: $10. — Jeff Niesel