The Guitar & Banjo of Reverend Gary Davis is an album by blues musician Reverend Gary Davis recorded in 1964 and released on the Prestige Folklore label.Jazzdisco: Prestige Folklore 14000 series (12 inch LP), Jazzdisco.org, accessed October 31, 2018Both Sides Now: Prestige/Folklore Album Discography, Bsnpubs.com, accessed October 31, 2018Wirz' American Music: Gary Davis discography, Wirz.de, accessed October 31, 2018
Reception
AllMusic reviewer Richie Unterberger stated: "Because this is an all-instrumental recording, it's an offbeat entry into the catalog of a performer known both as an important guitarist and as a singer. Some might miss Davis' vocals on this 1964 recording, but on the other hand there are plenty of records with him singing around. This gives listeners a chance to hone in on [sic] his dexterous guitar skills, blending ragtime, folk, and blues, usually on guitar (though he plays banjo on a couple of songs, and harmonica on one). ... not the best format for his strengths, certainly, but an illustration of his ability to adapt his style to unexpected material".
Track listing All compositions by Gary Davis except where noted "Maple Leaf Rag" (Scott Joplin) – 2:58 "Slow Drag" – 2:27 "The Boy Was Kissing the Girl (and Playing the Guitar the Same Time)" – 2:42 "Candy Man" – 2:54 "United States March" (Traditional) – 6:31 "Devil's Dream" (Traditional) – 3:50 "The Coon Hunt" (Traditional) – 3:32 "Mister Jim" – 4:15 "Please Baby" – 3:18 "Fast Fox Trot" – 2:22 "Can't Be Satisfied" – 2:55
Personnel Performance Reverend Gary Davis – guitar, banjo, harmonica
Production Samuel Charters – supervision Rudy Van Gelder – engineer
References