Harlem Street Singer

by Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Gary Davis

Overview

Recorded during a three hour session on August 24, 1960, Gary Davis laid down 12 of his most impassioned spirituals for Harlem Street Singer. Starting off the session with a version of Blind Willie Johnson's "If I Had My Way I'd Tear That Building Down," here renamed "Samson and Delilah," Davis is in fine form. His vocals are as expressive as Ray Charles' while similar in richness to Richie Havens' work. Harlem Street Singer features his inspired country blues fingerpicking as well. Many moods color the selections, from the gentle "I Belong to the Band" to the mournful "Death Don't Have No Mercy," only to be followed by the joyous shouting of "Goin' to Sit Down on the Banks of the River." Overall, the collection is well worth the purchase and should be considered essential listening for fans of country blues or gospel. ~ Matt Fink

Product Details

Release Date:	03/11/1993
Label:	Original Blues Classics
UPC:	0025218054720
Rank:	59185

Tracks

1. Samson and Delilah
2. Let Us Get Together
3. I Belong to the Band-Hallelujah!
4. Pure Religion
5. Great Change Since I Been Born
6. Death Don't Have No Mercy
7. Twelve Gates to the City
8. Goin' to Sit Down on the Banks of the River
9. Tryin' to Get Home
10. Lo I Be With You Always
11. I Am the Light of the World
12. I Feel Just Like Goin' On

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Blind Gary Davis   Primary Artist
Rev. Gary Davis   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar
Gary Davis   Harmonica,Vocals

Technical Credits

Gary Davis   Engineer,Composer,Arranger
Traditional   Composer
Phil DeLancie   Digital Remastering
Kenneth S. Goldstein   Producer
Esmond Edwards   Design
Lawrence Cohn   Liner Notes
Rev. Gary Davis   Performer,Composer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer