Rev. Gary Davis - Harlem Street Singer 1960 (Remastered Bonus Track Version 2016)

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.

TRACKLIST

01. Samson And Delilah
02. Let Us Get Together
03. I Belong To The Band-Hallelujah!
04. Pure Religion
05. Great Change Since I Been Born
06. Death Don't Have No Mercy
07. Twelve Gates To The City
08. Goin' To Sit Down On The Banks Of The River
09. 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
13. Little Bitty Baby (Bonus Track)
14. I Decided To Go Down (Bonus Track)
15. Bad Company Brought Me Here (Bonus Track)
16. Lord, I Looked Down The Road (Bonus Track)
17. Motherless Children (Bonus Track)
18. You Better Mind (Bonus Track)
19. There's A Bright Side Somewhere (Bonus Track)
20. I'll Fly Away (Bonus Track)