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If I Had My Way: Early Home Recordings

Reverend Gary Davis
If I Had My Way: Early Home Recordings
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When young John Cohen went to the home of Reverend Gary Davis in early 1953, Cohen could not have known the importance of the recordings he made. These historic recordings of the Reverend predate his seminal albums and feature Davis singing with his wife and another preacher, a rarity among Davis recordings. The 18 tracks provide a window into the world of this blind preacher caught between the blues and the church. Fans of Davis's work will find theese recordings to be a revelation, as a full ten songs were never recorded again and cannot be heard elsewhere.

Track Listing

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101
If I Had My Way Reverend Gary Davis 4:46
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102
If the Lord Be for You Reverend Gary Davis 3:45
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103
Twelve Gates to the City Reverend Gary Davis 3:56
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104
You Got to Move Reverend Gary Davis 4:17
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105
We Are the Heavenly Father's Children Reverend Gary Davis 3:26
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106
A Friend Like Lonely Jesus Reverend Gary Davis 4:25
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107
Get Right Church Reverend Gary Davis 2:26
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108
Marine Band Reverend Gary Davis 2:50
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109
Shine On Me Reverend Gary Davis 3:01
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110
There's Destruction on This Land Reverend Gary Davis 5:23
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111
He Stole Away Reverend Gary Davis 2:41
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112
The Uncloudy Day Reverend Gary Davis 4:12
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113
Say No to the Devil Reverend Gary Davis 3:20
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114
I Belong to the Band Reverend Gary Davis 4:00
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115
Give Me a Heart to Love Reverend Gary Davis 2:24
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116
He Never Has Left Me Alone Reverend Gary Davis 2:55
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117
Got On My Traveling Shoes Reverend Gary Davis 3:06
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118
Civil War Parade Reverend Gary Davis 5:26

Album Info

Catalog Number

SFW40123

Year(s) Released

2003

Recording Date(s)

1953

Label/Collection

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Genre(s)

Blues; Sacred

Country(s)

United States

Instrument(s)

Guitar; Vocal

Language(s)

English

Credit(s)

John Cohen - Recorder, Producer, Liner Notes, Photographer
 Horace Boyer - Liner Notes
 Pete Reiniger - Mastering Engineer
 Visual Dialogue - Designer
Download Liner Notes