Fresh tunes: Louisiana's 16 year-old guitar slinger, Matthew Davidson, is a Heartbreaker

From the Beatles and Rolling Stones to Muddy Waters and U2, smart teen Matthew Davidson gets it. His new 5-song release, "Cross My Heart," is danceable and effervescent. It's the kind of pop that will make you drive better and make you look good cutting a rug in your living room.

Beginning as a kid with a hot hand for blues guitar, Davidson is transitioning to vocalist, songwriter and entertainer. Surrounded by rockin' tunes and effective harmonies, Davidson's package kicks."Heartbreaker," his 4:16 master tune, is built on a snappy drum beat with a melody that builds inexorably to a feel good hook. In editing a videotape for his school, Caddo Magnet HS, Shreveport, I listened to "Heartbreaker" more times than you'd believe. It was rich. And remains my favorite cut.

A huge parallel to John Mayer is there, but he must be listening to Herman and the Hermits and the Dave Clark Five, too. And the Young Rascals, for sure.

Two songs on the EP were penned by Davidson, and three songs were co-written with Greg Walton. Musicians on the recording are: Matthew Davidson, guitars and vocals, Greg Walton, keyboard and vocals, Kyle McClanahan, drums, and Jimmy Wooten, bass guitar and drums. The EP was produced by Jimmy Wooten, engineered by Cody Lowery. It was mixed and mastered by Wooten and Lowery at The Pond Studios.

Download his fresh five on iTunes and Amazon. Physical copies can be ordered online at www.matthewdavidson.net or purchased at live shows.

Catch his sharp quartet Thurs, May 15, Spring Concert at Provenance Community, 6 to 8:30 pm, Sat., May 24, at Mudbug Madness, 4 to 6 pm, and Fri., May 30, at Free Fridays Forever under the Texas Street Bridge, 5 to 8 pm.