Davy Graham - Midnight Man '1966 [2005]

Tracks list

Graham went into a somewhat harder-rocking bluesy groove on this record, though
a strong jazz feel was always present in the rhythm especially. More than any
other Graham LP, this offers proof that the guitarist would have established
himself as a major star on the folk circuit in the 60s – if only his
singing was better. As a guitarist, hes simply wonderful, combining folk, jazz,
and blues styles into an invigorating, idiosyncratic style that can both swing
and attain a delicate sadness. As an interpreter, hes relentlessly imaginative,
breathing new vigor into overdone R&B standards, or devising fresh folk
arrangements for Beatles and Paul Simon tunes. But as a vocalist, hes adequate
at best; if he had even possessed the modest expressiveness of a Bert Jansch,
the material would be that much more striking. Almost none of these tracks are
available on Graham compilations, and this rare LP is definitely worth seeking
by those who are familiar with some of his other 60s work. Especially excellent
are the jazzy Hummingbird and the instrumental cover of Lalo Schifrins The
Fakir, which blends the rhythmic drive of Charles Mingus with hypnotic
raga-esque riffs


Tracks:

01. No Preacher Blues (02:16)
02. The Fakir (04:13)
03. Im Looking Thru You (02:04)
04. Hummingbird (02:40)
05. Watermelon Man (03:00)
06. Stormy Monday (03:39)
07. Money Honey (02:26)
08. Walkin The Dog (02:39)
09. Fire In My Soul (01:53)
10. Lost Lover Blues (02:06)
11. Neighbour, Neighbour (02:35)
12. Jubilation (01:47)
13. Rags And Old Iron (03:22)
14. Jelly Roll Baker (02:45)

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