2024 – M.C. Records
By Phillip Smith; Nov. 16, 2024
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
The Legend of Sugarbelly from Guy Davis is an absolutely remarkable
recording. The way he captures the pure essence of blues, folk, and Americana
instrumentally and in verse simply amazes me. Davis, a two-time Grammy
nominee for Best Traditional Blues Album pushes the boundaries of his
talent as a writer, and singer, and multi-instrumentalist as he performs with
six and twelve-string guitars, five and six-string banjos, harmonica, and
percussion. Backed by Professor Louie on Hammond organ, Chris James
on mandolin and six-string banjo, and Mark Murphy on double bass, and
cello, Davis truly shines as he stitches together a baker’s dozen of fascinating
songs, ten of which are original.
With banjo in hand, Davis leads the record off with “Sugarbelly”, a murder-ballad dedicated to his uncle William Conan Davis. This compelling song is based on a true story his uncle had told him about a woman who met a grim demise. With every listen to “Early in the Morning”, a wave of solemness washes over me. The acoustic guitar and heavy chords of Hammond instill a spiritual sense of a Southern Baptist hymn. As Davis sings “this time tomorrow, I may be gone”, I’m swiftly connected to memories of funerals. Breaking out the harp for “Long Gone Riley Brown”, Davis tears into a riveting, story-telling blues track about a moonshiner’s run-ins with the law and his post-death experience from dying of old age. Vice is nice as Davis keeps the moonshine whiskey theme going as he follows with the infectious banjo ditty “Come Gitchu Some”. I love his timeless cover of the Blind Lemon Jefferson classic “Black Snake Moan”. Sticking to the Ledbelly arrangement, he brings a certain freshness to this pre-war blues standard.
It’s always a pleasure to listen to Guy Davis. His traditional sense of playing the blues certainly plays an important role in keeping it alive.
Visit Guy Davis online at guydavis.com
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