This is Guy's sixth album with Red House Records, scheduled for release on July 22,
2003-which is today! I sort of feel privileged to be able to review this excellent disc before anyone has purchased it!-actually, I've been listening to it for the past several weeks, and it is a winner. In my own opinion, I believe this is his best effort to date. The man is extremely talented in composition, and multiple instruments-check out his banjo playing. Most people are familiar with the Davis 12 string, but his range is much more diversified. Besides playing the blues, he is an accomplished actor, playwright, and story teller. On this outing, he brings in a fine backup band: Gary Burks, on drums / Mark Murphy, on acoustic bass / Howard Johnson, on tuba (too cool!) / Nerak Roth Patterson, on electric guitar / Tommy "T-Bone" Wolk, on accordion, mandolin, Hammond C3 and Estey pump organ / and David Helper, on backing vocals and handclaps.
The song list is a great choice of covers and originals. The first track, "Limetown," a Sleepy John Estes classic, gets the Guy Davis treatment; adding new life and energy to it, and yet, keeping close tabs on the original movement-kudos to Davis! The second track, "Tell Me Where The Road Is;" an emotionally packed masterpiece-a Davis original-leaves you breathless. This is songwriting at its best. The third track is a traditional song: "Step It Up and Go"-- one of my favorite covers, and one of the few covers that I still play-also, a John Hammond fav. I think Guy plays it a hell of a lot better than we do! Track four is a haunting ("I Believe I'll Lose My Mind") blues from the pen of the late John Lee Hooker. Davis is in top form on his treatment and
respect for the song. Track 5, and 6, are originals from Davis, and you won't be disappointed. Check out Guy's banjo on the classic "Shortnin' Bread"-you're going to love it! Some good memories here. Tracks 8, and 9, follow a direct course into "Matchbox Blues" with Guy's 12 string and slide at the helm-beautiful! And the last three songs bring us to a perfect ending. A 5 star salute from yours truly-don't let this great recording escape your fingers!
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