Reading reviews on soulful bluesman Guy Davis, sources reveal a common theme: that he is a masterful musician – a force to be reckoned with.
Guy Davis will be the feature act at Legacy Guitar House April 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be bought online at guydavis.zoobis.com or at the local guitar and coffee house by calling 403-981-1808. Doors open at 7 p.m.
According to a review by Charles M. Young in an Aug. 1998 issue of Playboy magazine:
“I disagree with Guy Davis. Contrary to his third album’s title, You Don’t Know My Mind, I feel I do. He’s smart and humane, deals with his political alienation, thinks highly of sex and understands that blues authenticity depends on forthright spirit rather than perfect reproduction of the classics.”
Davis has released 16 albums, beginning in 1978 with Dreams About Life and powering through to his most recent 2013 release, Juba Dance.
Despite being from New York City in 1952, he said in an interview with NPR in 2006 his musical inspiration springs from listening to his grandmother’s ‘southern speech’.
His undisputed talent has earned a number of accolades: a 1991 BRIO Award, followed by three blues award nominations through the Blues Foundation in 1993.
He has played and collaborated with staple musicians, including Ian Anderson, founder and lead singer of Jethro Tull, Levon Helm of The Band, and Carly Simon.
Davis was also bit by the acting bug. He has appeared in a number of films, television shows, and Broadway productions like Beat Street, One Life to Live and Robert Johnson: Trick the Devil. Aside from acting, Davis has written and produced off-Broadway productions that have received critical acclaim.
According to his biography on his official site, Davis was honoured with appearing in the PBS special on jazz and blues artist, the late Howard Armstrong as well as being the distinguished guest at the Kennedy Center Awards, where he was an award recipient, alongside other recipients like Warren Beatty, Elton John and composer John Williams from the President of the United States.
To learn more about Davis’ hefty list of accolades and performance history, visit guydavis.com.
