Record Review

If you like good acoustic blues and traditional gospel, be sure to check out this tribute to Rev. Gary Davis. It is on Inside Sounds. Here is what will appear in the ANG Newspapers about it:

Various Artists
Gary Davis Style: The Legacy of Reverend Gary Davis
Inside Sounds
**** (four stars)

This collection of 20 tracks by a variety of artists playing songs by the legendary Rev. Gary Davis is a moving tribute to a giant of American music. Rev. Davis, who died in 1972, was one of the bridges between blues and gospel music. All of the artists on this album demonstrate a keen understanding of the two musical styles as well as a profound knowledge of Davis’s music, and they keep to his pure, simple style. None of the tracks sound contrived; none of the artists grope around in unfamiliar territory. Even tracks by folk revivalists like Peter, Paul and Mary sound right, lacking the preciousness that is endemic to the folk revivalist genre. Some of the tracks, such as “Twelve Gates to the City” performed by Cephas and Wiggins are particularly moving. This album is a fine introduction to the songs of one of America’s cultural treasures.

-Pete Flowers
peteflowersmusic@aol.com