Davy Graham 1940-2008

This '69 outing, which features solid support by bassist Danny Thompson and drummer John Spooner, showcases Graham's dynamic acoustic guitar work, with the trio running through a set of (primarily) pop and blues standards, including the Beatles' "Getting Better," Simon & Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound," and Willie Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie Man." The most intriguing tracks, however, are those that veer further left of field, particularly Graham's stunning solo instrumental takes on jazz legend Art Blakey's "Buhaina Chant" and the traditional "Bulgarian Dance," which creates a hypnotically frenetic vibe. Adventurous, eclectic, and consistently well-executed,

HAT is a lost gem that is sure to please open-minded fans of late-'60s British folk blues. He's just as capable of good-time blues ("I'm Ready") and a folk cover of "Getting Better" from Sgt. Pepper as dark, slightly dissonant instrumentals with a modal/Eastern flavor. As is the case with most of his '60s albums, it has been historically very hard to find, especially in the U.S, where Graham did not have a record deal.