Blind Gary Davis - 'Harlem Street Singer'

 

'Harlem Street Singer' was recorded on August 24, 1960, at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.  It was produced by Kenneth S. Goldstein and released on Prestige Records' Bluesville label in December 1960.

The album's title comes from Gary Davis’s a.k.a. Reverend Gary Davis' real-life moniker as he spent decades performing and preaching throughout the streets of the Harlem section of New York.

'Harlem Street Singer' is a foundational pillar of country blues and gospel music with its songs and complex fingerpicking style.  Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Dave Van Ronk, and Jorma Kaukonen (to name but a few) have sited this album as a major influence.

Gary Davis was 65 years old when this album was recorded, and he delivers his most famous original composition, "Death Don't Have No Mercy," alongside his definitive rendition of the traditional standard "Samson and Delilah."

Legendary engineer Rudy Van Gelder captured the 12-track session in pristine hi-fi, in a single, three-hour session allowing Gary's guitar and soulful voice to ring with incredible warmth and clarity.

'Harlem Street Singer' is an essential album, that belongs in every Blues collection. 

For the freeload, name one Jazz, Blues or Rock album that to you is an essential album that belongs in every music collection.