Artist: Davy Graham Album: Midnight Man

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A Critical Review of Midnight Man by Davy Graham: An Album That Defies Genre

Music has always had an inherent ability to transport us to different places and times, and Davy Graham's album Midnight Man is no different in this respect. In 1966, the world was going through a musical revolution, and the folk-rock genre was at its peak. It was amidst this musical backdrop that Davy Graham, a highly skilled guitarist from Britain, released his album Midnight Man, which defied categorization and effortlessly fused elements from folk, rock, and jazz music, to create a sound that was both innovative and nostalgic. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at this album, its history, its genre, the best songs, and the most innovative parts, and offer our critical review of it.

Davy Graham was a highly influential and innovative musician who played a crucial role in the British folk music scene in the 1960s. He was skilled in a wide range of styles, from traditional folk to jazz, and his music was characterized by technical virtuosity, intricate finger-picking, and a deep understanding of different musical traditions. It was this eclectic mix of influences that he brought to his 1966 album, Midnight Man. The album was released on the Decca label and comprised of 11 tracks, showcasing Graham's remarkable musical abilities and his unique vision for folk music.

The genre of this album is hard to pin down, as it defies categorization. It fuses elements of traditional British folk music, rock, blues, and jazz, in a way that was not common at the time. Graham's virtuosity is on full display on tracks like Blue Raga and Maajun, where he seamlessly weaves together Indian classical music, blues, and jazz elements into a tapestry of sound that is both mesmerizing and mind-blowing. The album even features covers of the Beatles' Don't Bother Me and Buddy Holly's Well...All Right, which Graham reinvents in his own unique style, incorporating elements of folk and jazz.

The best songs on this album are Blue Raga, Maajun, and Both Sides Now. Blue Raga is a 12-minute epic that showcases Graham's mastery of the sitar and his ability to blend different musical styles together in a seamless and organic way. Maajun is a trippy instrumental that takes us on a journey through the world of psychedelia, with its swirling sitar, hypnotic drums, and wah-wah guitar effects. And Both Sides Now is a beautiful ballad that displays Graham's gift for interpretation, as he imbues the Joni Mitchell classic with a haunting quality that is all his own.

The most innovative parts of this album are undoubtedly the fusion of different musical styles and the technical virtuosity on display. Graham had an uncanny ability to weave together different musical traditions and make them sound like they belonged together. He also had a unique finger-picking style that involved intricate patterns and unexpected chord changes, adding a level of complexity to his compositions that was not common in folk music at the time.

In terms of critiques, there are some moments on the album that are less successful than others. The cover of Don't Bother Me feels a bit out of place, and there are moments on the album where the experimentation can feel a bit self-indulgent. That being said, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional album that stands the test of time and continues to inspire musicians to this day.

In conclusion, Davy Graham's album Midnight Man is a testament to his musical genius and his unique vision for folk music. It is an album that defies categorization and effortlessly blends together elements from different musical traditions, creating a sound that is both innovative and timeless. While there are some minor flaws, the overall quality of the album is undeniable, and it remains a classic of the folk-rock genre. If you are a fan of musical experimentation and virtuosity, then Midnight Man is an album that you simply must hear.

In conclusion, Davy Graham's album Midnight Man is a testament to his musical genius and his unique vision for folk music. It is an album that defies categorization and effortlessly blends together elements from different musical traditions, creating a sound that is both innovative and timeless. While there are some minor flaws, the overall quality of the album is undeniable, and it remains a classic of the folk-rock genre. If you are a fan of musical experimentation and virtuosity, then Midnight Man is an album that you simply must hear.