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:	03/08/2024
Label:	Blues Joint
UPC:	8436563185168
Rank:	52335

Album Credits

Performance Credits

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

Technical Credits

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