Guy Davis is an interesting bluesman. He was raised in New York City, the son of actors/writers Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. As he is fond of saying in his shows, the only cotton he ever picked was his briefs off the floor. He's written plays and music, and appeared on and off Broadway in theatrical productions. But he also absorbed the stories and music of some of the early bluesmen from his parent and grandparents.
So when he sings, which he's been doing much more of since the mid'90s -- all of that just slips away, and what you get is a powerful blues musician, writer and singer, who sounds like he was born into the music. And he's a multi-talented instrumentalist.
And he just happens to have a new CD that reflects his many talents: "Sweetheart Like You" (Red House Records). And yes, it's a little odd that he would take the Bob Dylan song (from Dylan's "Infidels" album) and turn it into the title track for a blues album. Here's how Davis explains it in the liner notes:
"To all you blues purists and aficionados, I justify this selection by the knowledge that Bob Dylan was reincarnated from a very big fat bluesman, and all that talent got squeezed into his skinny little body."
Fair enough. Dylan made no secret of his blues inspirations. And Davis gives the song a long, mournful, bluesy reading. Somehow it works (sort of like Dylan's voice). And it's a fine song.
But that's just the beginning. Davis works his way through a set of blues of his own writing, and a few classic old pieces. His writing captures the spirit of his chosen music, his vocals are strong and passionate, and it's hard to tell that he didn't actually pick cotton somewhere.
His take on the Son House song, "Down South Blues," is full of grit and intensity. His covers of two Muddy Waters classics -- "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Can't Be Satisfied." The latter is a live performance with a twist -- an old blues reinvented for the banjo. It's not exactly Muddy Waters, but it's a fine interpretation, and Mark Murphy's upright bass solo adds another dimension.
Then there are Davis' own songs -- all beautifully crafted to reflect the best traditions. "Slow Motion Daddy," in the best ribald tradition; "Sweet Hannah," a tale of forbidden love; "Gong Back to Silver Spring" are a few of my favorites.
There's a lot of good music here, lovingly crafted, without a false note -- Davis has the uncanny ability to make the old sound new again.
I've seen Guy a few times -- he's always engaging, with interesting stories to tell, and even more interesting music to play. He's working hard and well to carry on the traditions of the blues. This CD is a special addition to his body of work.
Comments on comments
I hope some of you have been following the recent comments by Bluzer, an avid blues fan who's decided to park here for a while and share his thoughts and opinions on all things blues. I think he has some good ones. I hope he sticks around. And I hope some of you will also join in.
Blues cruise photos
Blues fan and great blues photoguy Joe Rosen (and one-time long-ago Burgher) has just added another Legendary Ryhthm & Blues Cruise to his gallery. You can see the pics from last month's cruise here. (BlueNotes has never made this cruise -- was on standby this year, but no luck. I'm eagerly looking forward to the 2010 version.)
BeerNotes note
This post was at least partially inspired by a leftover Troeg's Mad Elf Christmas beer. Leave one out for Santa next year.
Posted
Feb 10 2009, 01:00 AM
by
Jim White