Reviewed by Martin Emerson

This album is a compilation of recordings (mainly live) from 1962 to 1966 and is produced by former student of Rev Gary Davis, Stefan Grossman. The purpose in producing this album is so that other guitarists can learn from Davis' excellent technique. Some of the recordings are actually taken from sessions when Davis was demonstrating different techniques, and you can occasionally make out some of Davis' comments. There are eight tracks with vocals, the other eight are all instrumental. Even though this album is aimed at other guitarists (it even comes with the music and chords for five songs) I still find it a great pleasure to listen to time and time again, and I can't even play one chord. There is a wonderful version of Davis' "Cincinnati Flow Rag" and the vocal tracks like "She's Funny That Way" and "Hesitation Blues" (which is the highlight of the album) show the wonderful light hearted side of Davis. As is suggested by the title this album is not just blues, in fact it is heavy on the ragtime. This album is aimed at other guitarists, but if, like me, you like just to listen to a master guitar player at work then it is well worth buying.

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