Search - Guy Davis :: Give in Kind

Give in Kind
Guy Davis
Give in Kind
Genres: Blues, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1

Although this New Yorker is the son of actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, he sings as if he was not only born into a hard Mississippi life, but swallowed it piece by piece, each injury scarring his vocal cords on its way dow...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Guy Davis
Title: Give in Kind
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Red House
Release Date: 4/9/2002
Genres: Blues, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 033651016120

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Although this New Yorker is the son of actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, he sings as if he was not only born into a hard Mississippi life, but swallowed it piece by piece, each injury scarring his vocal cords on its way down. Add to that the buzzing acoustic slide tones he opens the disc with and the dark sentiments on the alcoholic's lament "Good Liquor" and the plea for remembrance "Six Feet of Cold Ground," and the result is Davis's most potent blues recording. When Davis's harmonica makes occasional appearances, it's as rich in emotional resonance as his frayed voice. The solo that tags "Loneliest Road That I Know," a take on Fred McDowell's "61 Highway," is especially expressive, blowing short phrases of fragile melody over an already moody bed of Hammond B-3 organ. Davis augments his music with a full electric band here, but it's his musicianship that leads the arrangements--sometimes into unpredictable territory. The roadhouse love song "Layla, Layla" is colored by Davis's didgeridoo playing, and he picks five-string banjo on his original spiritual, "I Will Be Your Friend." Another surprise is the finger-picked guitar tune "Honeydew Melon Rag," the kind of instrumental that jug bands used to perform on Memphis's legendary Beale Street 70 years ago. Davis also makes room for his folk-music roots in his blues, offering "Grandma Is Dancing" as a warm-hearted tribute to a matriarch, complete with a shaky, home-spun group melody on its chorus. Altogether, this CD's 15 tunes offer a pleasing, well-rounded overview of Davis's art. --Ted Drozdowski

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CD Reviews

Truly is an artist
B.P. | Wisconsin, United States | 11/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've never been much of a blues fan myself. Never really paid much attention to the music genera or venture into it. Until now that is. When I was first introduced to Guy Davis in concert one night with some friends. He is one performer that I've become strangely enthused about.



I am impressed with his talent not only as a musician but also as a song writer. He has a poetic way in capturing the emotional essence with so few words. Not to mention having a great voice, classic. Most songs exhibit a nice old-timey sound, which I think is where he shines the most. Whether it be the harp, washboard, guitar or banjo. This guy is truly an artist. He is a bit of an inspiration. Just have to appreciation his infectious, entertaining style and skill. Sometimes amusing, sometimes serious, always down-to-earth and rather unpretentious.



Honeydew Melon Rag, track number seven is a sweet guitar instrumental piece. Was an instant personal favorite of mine when he played it live in concert. Jappatowne is another favorite which I heard live and also prompted me to buy the CD. Although unfortunately the Jappatowne story intro (track 14) is a much shorter, edited version from what he performed live. Be sure to also listen to the unforgettable Layla, Layla, track number six with it's didgeridoo accompaniment. So unusual and fun.



A worthwhile purchase, recommended."