Davey Graham
b. 22 November 1940, Leicester, England, of Scottish and Guyanese parents. An influential guitarist in British folk circles, Graham's itinerant travels throughout Europe and North Africa resulted in a cosmopolitan and unorthodox repertoire. By the early '60s he was a fixture of the London fraternity and his 1961 recording with Alexis Korner, 3/4 A.D., showcased his exceptional talent. The EP included the much-feted Angie, an evocative instrumental which Paul Simon and Bert Jansch would later cover. FOLK, BLUES & BEYOND showcased Graham's eclectic talent, with material drawn from Charles Mingus, Leadbelly, Bob Dylan and Blind Willie Johnson. The expressive instrumental, Maajun (A Taste Of Tangier), emphasized the modal element of Graham's playing and although never more than adequate as a singer, his inspired guitar work was a revelation. FOLK ROOTS NEW ROUTES was an unlikely collaboration with traditional vocalist Shirley Collins, and while the latter's purity was sometimes at odds with Graham's earthier approach, the album is rightly lauded as a milestone in British folk music. Graham maintained his idiosyncratic style throughout the '60s, experimenting with western and eastern musical styles, but although the respect of his peers was assured, commercial success proved elusive. Drug problems and ill health undermined the artist's progress, but he later re-emerged with two excellent albums for the specialist Kicking Mule outlet. During his latter years, he has resided in west Scotland where he has taught guitar, whilst continuing to perform on the folk club circuit, often performing on double bills with Bert Jansch, and demonstrating his credentials as one of Britain's finest folk-blues guitarists.