Search - Jesse Davis :: Jesse Davis

Jesse Davis' first

Scott Queen | Floyd, VA | 11/30/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A wonderful first attempt from the Big Man. This Oklahoma native played sideman for years in many San Francisco Bands, cutting his teeth as lead electric for Taj Mahal, penning tunes for the band, (Further On, Down The Road), as well.This album may be flawed in its production, but the raft of people clawing each other to accompany Jesse in the studio is testimony to the respect he received from other professionals. Imagine, the Beatles and Mad Dogs And Englishmen jamming together.Davis has a rough voice, similar in timbre to the other OK cowboy, Leon Russell. This album may remind the listener of Leon's first Shelter release.Jesse's struggle with addictions brought on an early death. Taking from us an inspired, original guitarist.In addition to his solo work, Jesse worked as a record producer. Gene Clark's first solo piece, "White Light" was produced by Davis. How those two got together is anyone's guess. The resulting album is prime Clark, and prime Davis. Unfortunately, it is out of print and is available only through imports.Davis never made an album as good as his first; labels dropped him; others couldn't market him. Do try to find this album you will not regret it."

Hey, Caruso can't play guitar...

David Kinney | San Francisco, Ca. United States | 01/31/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This incredibly talented guitar slinger came out of the same Tulsa roadhouse RnB scene that spawned Leon Russell. Leon cain't sing very good neither. But boy can Jesse play! Jesse was a mainstay in Taj Mahal's early bands and a much sought after session player. That's part of the problem here. A brilliant studio player cannot neccessarily use his skills in the service of a credible solo effort.So what you've got here is half of England's finest (Clapton, Harrison etc.) jamming with Delaney and the Mad Dog Dominoes.When they stick to trading guitar licks(as on"Every Night..") the groove is solid. When Jesse forgets he's not Boz Scaggs (as on "Golden Sun Godess") it isn't. Still 3 stars ain't bad and fans of Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, and the Tulsa sound in general will be pleasantly surprised. Jesse was a great guitarist and his talents are sorely missed. Here's a good way to get aquainted."