(Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook). A great collection of 21 huge hits from this pop superstar in piano/vocal/guitar arrangements: Allentown * Big Shot * Dont Ask Me Why * Its Still Rock and Roll to Me * Just the Way You Are * The Longest Time * Movin Out (Anthonys Song) * My Life * New York State of Mind * Only the Good Die Young * Piano Man * Pressure * Shes Always a Woman * Tell Her About It * Uptown Girl * You May Be Right * Youre Only Human * more.
#3426154 in eBooks 2013-10-22 2013-10-08File Name: B00G33EV3K
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Read the book; but better yet; seek out his music.By M.D. KuehnI didnrsquo;t need to read a book ABOUT Reverend Gary Davis to know what a giant in music he was; and still is. It was Gary Davis; channeled through the first Hot Tuna album in 1970 that got me started listening to this guitar genius. Jorma of Hot Tuna was playing songs like ldquo;Death Donrsquo;t Have No Mercyrdquo; and ldquo;Hesitation Blues;rdquo; and I just had to find out who this Davis guy was who was credited with the songs. A somewhat novice guitar player at the time; I had no idea how Rev. Davis did what he did -- I was hooked for the rest of my life on this man and his incredible music. To this day I consider Rev. Davis to be one of the; if not the; best guitarist Irsquo;ve ever heard. And though hersquo;ll never know it; he has been my musical mentor and inspiration throughout my guitar playing days.Born in the rural South in 1896; blind at a young age; Gary Davis took to the guitar like it was made for him. He would help support his mother; then himself; by street performing; oftentimes a dangerous activity for a blind black man. He had countless guitars stolen over the many years of walking the streets of various South Carolina towns; and later New York City. But from the streets he absorbed the music around him; blues; gospel; spirituals; ragtime -- all was food for Garyrsquo;s creative mind and spirit. He would soon be turning out original tunes; as well as unique and complex arrangements of traditional songs.Over the years; even as he remained relatively unknown to the general public; aspiring guitarists flocked to his Queens home to learn at the foot of the master; young folks who would carry on Garyrsquo;s legacy; Bob Weir; Bob Dylan; Ernie Hawkins; Stephen Grossman; Steve Katz; Roy Bookbinder; Janis Ian; Woody Mann; Ry Cooder; and dozens more. One anecdote that illustrates the high esteem in which Rev. Davis was held by other guitarists is this; from page 209.As Davisrsquo;s ldquo;Miss Gibsonrdquo; was fitted with a new set of strings; a bloke whorsquo;d been watching the transaction asked Davis if hersquo;d play a song or two; and Davis obliged.ldquo;Do you play guitar?rdquo; Davis asked.ldquo;Yes; I do;rdquo; the young man said.ldquo;Well; would you play something for me?rdquo;ldquo;No; I could never play in your presence;rdquo; the man said.As he led Davis out of the store; Power asked a store employee who the shy young guitarist was.ldquo;Thatrsquo;s Eric Clapton.rdquo;It wasnrsquo;t until one of his students; Ernie Hawkins; now a guitar wizard in his own right; produced an entire series of books and DVDs in which he reveals the secrets behind the Reverendrsquo;s unique style; that I was able to finally learn to play his music the way he played it.This is an amazing book; a wonderful biography and tribute to this under appreciated giant of American music; a guitar wizard; Reverend Gary Davis. Here is the story of an uncompromising musical genius; warts and all; and how we are all so lucky to have recordings of some of his greatest works. Read the book; but better yet; seek out his music.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Superbly written and utterly engrossing.By Thomas H. KramerSuperbly written and utterly engrossing. Ian Zach has written a book not only about a musical genius; unknown to most people; but an inspiring book about overcoming adversity. This book is very hard to put down as I followed Rev. Davis life from his childhood to his passing away on the way to a concert. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Even those who are unfamiliar with Rev. Gary Davis will find his story a compelling component of American history. What a wonderful book!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This is a fantastic book; of a musical geniusBy Michael TaubThis is a fantastic book; of a musical genius; and a spiritual man. I saw the Reverend perform in 1969; and have spent my life trying to play his guitar arrangements. He is a complete man; fully realized. His music; guitar playing and singing all do the same thing; glorify his God; and continue his legacy. Ian describes the life and times of Rev. Davis with riveting detail and eloquence. This book is a necessary addition to the Reverends music as it allows us to understand where he came from; and who he was. I cannot recommend it enough. Please buy it and read it. Please keep the Reverends music and faith alive. How happy I am that Ian wrote this book.