Topic: Rev. Davis' Birthday

[Johnm]

Hi all,
It was suggested in the John Hurt Birthday tribute thread that it might be nice to do a similar thread honoring Rev. Davis on his birthday, April 30.  I'm a little early, I guess, but thought I'd get the ball rolling.  As far as I know, Rev. Davis never played or performed "Deep River", but it is a beautiful Spiritual that I've loved ever since I first heard it.  So I'll dedicate this version to Rev. Davis.
All best,
Johnm

[Pan]

A beautiful arrangement with lush harmonies! Thank you for sharing it with us, John!

Cheers

Pan

[Mr.OMuck]

Beautiful John! One of my favorite songs and the only one that would get my son to sleep when he was an infant on difficult nights. Can't resist posting the ne plus ultra of performances:

[Mr.OMuck]

And B. Davis hisself:

[Bunker Hill]

Who knows by this time next year we may have two biographies to read, one from Ian Zack, the other from Bill Ellis. Rather like buses - wait ages for one and two come along.

[Mr.OMuck]

And then there's the film. Anybody see it yet? I haven't. In any case I'm hopeful that this may mark the beginning of the end of the general obscurity this major twentieth century artist has been consigned to. Other great artists who've famously fallen off the world's radar in the past, only to be resurrected and celebrated centuries later, include J.S. Bach, and Domenico Theotocopolus (ElGreco).

[uncle bud]

It's still the Rev's birthday somewhere west of here, so here's my contribution. Definitely in the spirit of frankie's one-take-or-go-home recordings, as it is past my bedtime. I've still got a ways to go with this one but it's sure fun to play. Make Believe Stunt/Maple Leaf Rag.

[Lyle Lofgren]

I'm a day late with this, and I may have posted the link before, but here are some excerpts from a tape I made of Rev. Davis with Elizabeth Cotten at a party at our house in 1965. He's as memorable as they come.

http://www.lizlyle.lofgrens.org/BrnSnift/SonicAlbum.html

Lyle

[Mr.OMuck]

Terrific Andrew!
 

[Mr.OMuck]

These are great Lyle thanks.

[Johnm]

Thanks for that rendition, Andrew, you sound great.  Thanks for the good words, Pan and Phil.
All best,
Johnm

[uncle bud]

Thanks guys. John, thanks for starting us off with a beautiful arrangement. Real pretty, like Pan said, lush. Have to admit I am only vaguely familiar with the song from long ago, probably Robeson.

Roi, nice version. Kind of a cross between McTell's and the Down Home Boys' Stack o' Lee. Your arrangement?

[frankie]

John - that was beautiful and leaves me otherwise speechless. Nobody plays like you.

Uncle Bud - hands down the most fun revivalist rendering of that one I've ever heard, and I love the singing at the 2:29 mark. Perfectly in the spirit!

Roi - like uncle Bud, I hear something between McTell and the Downhome Boys. Nicely done!

[CF]

Very nice gentlemen!
Andrew that was terrific!

[Prof Scratchy]

Great performances all! A fitting birthday present for the rev!

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