His second Prestige album of 1961 shows the Rev. Gary Davis not breaking stride for a second, even in the wake of the triumphant A Little More Faith. The repertory here is perhaps a little more traditional gospel in orientation, and the songs more cautionary in nature -- but that doesn't stop Davis from displaying some overpowering dexterity, and if anything his singing is even more exuberant here. And this time out, in addition to his six-string guitar, he treats us to his powerful 12-string playing on "Time Is Drawing Near" and "Lost Boy In The Wilderness," the latter a shimmering five-minute showcase for the instrument that's almost worth the price of admission by itself; and he also shows off his considerable harmonica dexterity -- of a distinctly old-school style -- on "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" and "No One Can Do Me Like Jesus." The stereo mix on this album, when compared to its predecessor, is also a bit more naturalistic, without sacrificing any detail in the finely nuanced playing or singing, and the result is an album as fine as its predecessor, and an equally worthy part of any serious acoustic blues collection.
© Bruce Eder /TiVo