With four previous records (Red House) behind him; Guy Davis can be comfortable in calling himself a bluesman. He is also a writer of short stories and plays, and as a plus, he is an actor. How he finds the time to handle all his interests is anyone's guess. But it's through music that Guy really shines. Largely influenced by Willie McTell (check out his 12 string!), and musicians such as Skip James, Mance Lipscomb, Mississippi John Hurt, and Elizabeth Cotton (she played her guitar upside down-a lefty!), one can understand that Guy Davis did his homework. He is a fine songwriter with a gifted style of his own. Davis plays both 6 and 12 string guitars, banjo, harmonica, washboard, and didgeridoo-all represented on this his fifth album (Give In Kind). Another great standout for Davis is his gritty yet powerful voice-one of a kind. He sings all of the lead vocals with a great backup band: Gary Burke on drums, Mark Murphy on upright bass, W'ali Muhammad on electric lead guitar, Ken Whitely on mandolin and four string banjo, Zoe B. Zak on accordion, Keith Slattery on piano and Hammond B3 organ. Now, put in some background vocals and you got one hellishly good record-Guy Davis at his best.
Track List: Good Liquor / Loneliest Road That I Know / Lay Down By My Side / I Will Be Your Friend / (I Love My Job) / Layla, Layla / Honeydew Melon Rag / Six Cold Feet Of Ground / Grandma Is Dancing / What You Doin' / Watch Over Me / I Don't Know / Don't You have Me Here / (Joppatowne Intro) / Joppatowne / God's Unchanging Hand
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This review is copyright © 2002 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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