Sound Colour Vibration (Music | Art | Film)

Les Cousin Music has compiled a dazzling and eccentric treat from the influential British guitarist, Davy Graham. Davy’s work is something unparalleled in the world of guitar playing. His pioneering abilities and unorthodox methods have provided influence to the world of not only folk but rock and world music as well. Every song on the anthology, from “Southbound Train” to “New Junkies Blues” toss the listener into a whirlpool of gorgeous tastes and scents. The reel-to-reel version of Anji (his most recognized piece) is sublime. His style, although very much his, changes so rapidly that one can forget that it is the same guitarist.

The entire anthology gives the feeling of a long and epic voyage through the notes of music and travel. You are literally transported to all of the areas that Davy Graham explored, loved and grew enamored with. His love of the guitar and music gave way to his incredible guitar style. It birthed an entirely different beast that influenced many- from Jimmy Page to Ray Davies. His work ranged much like his free forming life.

This rare collection isn’t focused on capturing Davy’s most popular moments, but rather, his virtuoso ability of transcending musical time and bringing together world cultures to capture the essence and magic of the liquid-like guitar player. This anthology is a true treat to fans and newcomers of Davy Graham. His deep seeded knowledge of not only music but life experience ring out on every note. His pain and his joy snap on every chord, causing wave after wave of emotional awe. On “Blues Raga”, Graham dives deep into World and even Progressive music. His timings although complex are something incomparably natural if not freakishly fluid. It almost seems as if the song is writing itself out without Davy’s consent, as if his fingers are truly haunted whirling dervishes flinging themselves through India and back to Britain. Les Cousin Music have brought together a diverse, rare and incomparably enjoyable experience for those willing to travel along Graham’s influential road of life.

Often sited as one of the greatest guitarists Britain has ever known, in this anthology, Davy Graham proves these titles to be true – even if he himself discouraged such titles and recognition. His truth, his almost shamanistic approach to music is something to be admired and followed. Davy serves as a beacon for those seeking true talent, both technically as well as emotionally. This anthology is nothing short of incredible and will leave any listener in awe of Davy Graham’s legendary expressions.

-Xavier Vilapana

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Guitarist Davy Graham playing Cry Me A River, as captured in a 1959 BBC documentary directed by Ken Russell on the rise in popularity of the guitar in Britain.

Davy Graham – Anthology
Les Cousins Music – LC016

CD1 – 1961 – 1963

01. Southbound Train
02. Here Comes the Carnival
03. Hallelujah I Love Her So
04. Take Five
05. Careless Love
06. Anji (1961)
07. Saturday Night Shuffle
08. Fannin Street
09. How Long
10. Hey Bud Blues
11. Geno’s Tune
12. Broonzy Stomp
13. Fingerbuster
14. Worksong
15. Guitar Shuffle/House Party Starting
16. She Moved Through The Fair
17. Mustapha

CD2 – 1965 – 1970

18. Better Git IN Your Soul
19. Davy’s Train Blues
20. Sermonette
21. Maajun
22. I’m Ready (Live)
23. Rock Me Baby
24. Neighbour, Neighbour
25. Louisiana Blues
26. Freight Train
27. Anji
28. Anji’s Greek Cousin
29. Blues Raga
30. When Did You Leave Heaven?
31. Bruton Town
32. Tristano
33. Rock Me
34. Good Morning Blues
35. Hornpipe for a Harpsichord
36. How Come You Love me Like you do?

CD3 – 1970 – 2007

37. The Gold Ring
38. Happy Meeting In Glory
39. Blue Bossa
40. DeVisee Suite
41. All of Me
42. Sita Ram
43. Hessamalo
44. For a Princess
45. Mevlut
46. City and Surburban Blues
47. Jenra
48. Down The Back Lane
49. Forty Tonne Parachute
50. The Preacher
51. Jubilation
52. Rumores De La Caleta
53. Capricho Arabe
54. New Junkies Blues

http://www.lescousins.co.uk/