Daryl Davis - American Roots

 Daryl Davis - American Roots - Armadillo

Daryl Davis is a fixture on the DC music scene and arguably one of the finest blues and boogie-woogie pianists anywhere, not just in DC. Influenced by many of the greats of jazz and blues piano, Davis was fortunate to have been taken under the wing of Chuck Berry's pianist, Johnnie Johnson, and the legendary Pinetop Perkins, who helped him mature into a master of blues and boogie-woogie piano. Additionally, as those who have witnessed his performances at clubs, festivals, or swing dance, he is no slouch on a guitar. While it has taken some time, he has put together an album, American Roots on the British Armadillo label. 

Put together at several sessions in the area, the disc displays Davis' versatility and is certainly a lively album which is at its best when his piano is at the fore. Comprised of originals, some like the rollicking I'm a Boogie Man display the pumping piano and Daryl's energetic vocals, although the backing vocal chorus is dispensable. As many know, Daryl often works with Chuck Berry, and We All Owe a Debt is a tribute to his sometimes employer. Other tunes evoke other legends of blues and rock'n'roll, including Little Richard (Let Me Boogie With Your Woogie) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Going Back to the Country). However, Lewis seems more of an influence on Davis' playing. Phil Wiggins adds his harmonica to this selection. 

With a variety of backing musicians present, the level of the groups varies, with some of the rhythm sections are more workmanlike than others. Bob Margolin lends his guitar to a rocking Broadminded, one of two selections on which Ron Holloway adds his authoritative saxophone. Two piano features, Double "D" Blues, a tribute to Johnnie Johnson, and the closing Y2K Boogie, dedicated to Pinetop Perkins, display his terrific piano playing. I'm Coming Back is a terrific slow blues that suggests that Davis could produce a killer straight blues album.

Some of the material may be a bit lightweight, but this is in keeping with Davis' ability to get people up and dancing. And his playing is never insubstantial. 

I likely received this CD from Armadillo, This review originally appeared in the June 2002 DC Blues Calendar. Many of the songs here are available on a CD Daryl produced, Greatest Hits. Here is Daryl performing.