After releasing his second full length album, “Snapshots of the Universe” in May of 2007, DC musician Michael Jantz has already followed up with a hard hitting six song EP, “Live at Jim's”.

Jantz, a Cleveland favorite who moved to the DC area in 2004, has garnered coverage from XM Radio and internet radio stations for “Snapshots”, as well as licensing agreements with MTV for “The Hills” and “Road Rules”. “Live at Jims” is sure to add to the positive buzz from critics and fans alike.

The drive for “Live at Jim's” was born out of rehearsals between Jantz and his band members in preparation of going on tour to support “Snapshots”.

“I had all these new guys together, with all these distinct skills and unique talents at my disposal, and the creative juices just started flowing,” Jantz said. “These songs were written to play to strengths of these specific musicians.”

The Davenports are comprised of popular DC  local musicians, Jim Donohue on upright/electric bass and former Bicycle Thieves drummer Dan Perriello, rounded out by the impressive talents of local harmonica player Chris Nammour in his debut recording.

The material also reflects a shift in influences on Jantz's song writing, blending indie rock sensibilities drawn from modern acts like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Ryan Adams and M. Ward, with more classic rhythm and blues based rock and country rock. The sound on the new EP has been compared to work by The Band, The Black Crowes, CSNY, and as one fan put it, “Bob Dylan after he plugged in.” 

“Live at Jim's” marks the first production foray for Jantz. Bassist Jim Donohue also pulled double duty as engineer for the EP, which was, as its title suggests, recorded in his home studio.

“I really wanted to capture the vibe and energy of the live performance,” Jantz said. “We went in and recorded these songs as soon as we could play them through. Although we went back and refined and crafted each track, what you're hearing are those fresh first takes.“

The band plans on making “Live at Jim's” a free digital download, with CD's and MP3's available through online outlets including CD Baby and iTunes. A Dual CD release show with Baltimore based songstress Ellen Cherry and roots rocker JP McDermott is scheduled at the Iota Club and Café in Arlington, VA, on January 20^th, 2008.