By: David Schultz

Obscurity is a trait all too common of the early 20th century blues musicians that created the foundation on which rock and roll was built; for every Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf, there are two “Blind” Lemon Jeffersons or Hudy “Leadbelly” Ledbetters. One of those lesser known bluesmen, Reverend Gary Davis, may not be known to many who fail to make a scholarly interest of music’s origins. An early practitioner of the Piedmont blues, Davis renounced the “wicked” brand of music and, in the mid-Thirties, became an ordained minister. Although he gave up the blues, he didn’t give up the guitar, applying his distinctive percussive playing style to gospel music.

Let Us Get Together: A Tribute To Reverend Gary Davis pairs R&B singer Marie Knight with guitarist Larry Campbell. Even though Knight traveled in the same circles as Davis in the late 40s, it’s Campbell, a student of the Piedmont blues, who introduced Davis’ music to Knight. Davis may not be household name but his songs have worked their way into the collective unconscious: Deadhead’s are well familiar with “Samson & Delilah” and the O Brother Where Out Thou soundtrack exposed “I’ll Fly Away” to a whole new audience. A collection of originals and traditional songs associated with Davis, like “12 Gates” and “You Got To Move,” Let Us Get Together focuses on Davis’ inspirational, gospel-style blues, often needing nothing more than Knight’s voice and Campbell’s guitar to convey Davis’ message.

Full of soul and passion, Knight sings Davis’ gospel blues with an intimacy and familiarity that cannot be taught. Her wizened voice evokes the spirit of the chapel without overpowering Campbell’s nimble playing. Let Us Get Together remains predominately upbeat, with the one exception being the foreboding “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” in which Kim Wilson’s mournful harmonica accentuates the gravitas Knight puts into her vocals. Knight and Campbell complement each other nicely, letting the music rather than their own estimable skills remain at the forefront. Fans of Campbell’s work with Phil Lesh & Friends will revel in his dexterous playing on “Samson & Delilah” as well as tracks like “When I Die” where Campbell brings the same country and folk tinged style that makes any Levon Helm Ramble a real treat.

Let Us Get Together does not try to mimic Davis’ music and guitar-style. As Campbell explains in the liner notes, “How much can you play like him without sounding just like him only not as good? On the other hand, how far can you stretch it and still call it Rev. Gary Davis style?” It’s this approach, shared by Knight, which makes this collection something special and a fitting homage to the words and musical style that comprise Davis’ legacy.