John Davis

Blind John Davis is one of the great blues piano players, often accompanying blues giants such as Big Bill Broonzy and Tampa Red. Although he released a series of solo albums in his lifetime, it is as an accompanist that he gives listeners his best work, but that's not to say there's nothing to commend on this release. Essentially a budget collection of some of Davis' best solo sides, every cut is accomplished boogie piano playing, in the style of, but far more relaxed than, say, Pete Johnson. It's hard to see this release as anything near to definitive, but as a budget introduction to an overlooked pianist it serves its purpose well.

Trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and one of the most important figures in jazz music history, and music history in general. Davis adopted a variety of musical directions in a five-decade career that kept him at the forefront of many major stylistic developments in jazz. Winner of eight Grammy awards…