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Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Davy Graham - He Moved Through The Fair, The Complete 1960s Recordings | BUTTERBOY


We mentioned Davy Graham the other day and featured a track ‘Better Git It In Your Soul’ from tripping mantras well here’s the answer and Butterboy has posted an 8 CD collection which is about as thorough and complete as it gets. If you are at all interest in guitar figures and folk/blues/jazz roots of British guitarists then this is absolutely indispensable 

Davy Graham - He Moved Through The Fair, The Complete 1960s Recordings [2024] (8 x CDs)



Butterboy says : DAVY GRAHAM

Davy Graham - Anji 

 

David Michael Gordon "Davey" Graham (originally spelled Davy Graham) (26 November 1940 - 15 December 2008) was a British guitarist and one of the most influential figures in the 1960s British folk revival. He inspired many famous practitioners of the fingerstyle acoustic guitar such as Bert Jansch, Wizz Jones, John Renbourn, Martin Carthy, John Martyn, Paul Simon and Jimmy Page, who based his solo "White Summer" on Graham's "She Moved Through the Fair". Graham is probably best known for his acoustic instrumental "Anji" and for popularizing DADGAD tuning, later widely adopted by acoustic guitarists. (Wikipedia)

Imagine a musical treasure trove that captures the spirit and essence of a transformative era. This is precisely what you'll uncover in the box set "He Moved Through The Fair: The Complete 1960s Recordings." Spanning eight CDs, this collection is a mesmerizing journey through the artistry of a master musician who helped define the sound of the 1960s.

From the first note, you'll be transported back to a time of exploration and innovation. Each track resonates with the passion and creativity that characterized the decade, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that blend folk, blues, and world music influences. The meticulous remastering of these recordings ensures that every subtle nuance and intricate detail is preserved, allowing you to fully appreciate the depth and skill of the performances.

Listening to this collection is like flipping through an audio scrapbook of the 1960s. The tracks capture the zeitgeist of the time, reflecting the social and cultural shifts that were taking place. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to this era of music, you'll find yourself captivated by the sheer diversity and inventiveness on display. The box set serves as both a historical document and a testament to the enduring power of great music.

"He Moved Through The Fair" is an immersive experience that invites you to delve deep into the creative process of a true musical pioneer. Each CD offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the artist's sound, showcasing their versatility and willingness to push boundaries. As you listen, you'll be struck by the timeless quality of the music, which continues to inspire and resonate with listeners today.

This box set is a must-have for any music lover. It captures the essence of an era and the brilliance of an artist whose contributions to the musical canon are immeasurable. Whether you're looking to expand your collection or seeking the perfect gift for a fellow music enthusiast, "He Moved Through The Fair: The Complete 1960s Recordings" is a stunning addition that will be cherished for years to come. 

Davy Graham is often seen as a key figure in British acoustic guitar. His influence spans across many famous guitarists.

What made Graham special was his deep dive into the music of India, the Middle East, and North Africa. This exploration helped him create new ways of tuning and playing the guitar. By mixing elements of blues, jazz, and traditional English music, Graham left a lasting impact on the world of acoustic guitar. Even if Davy Graham had only ever written and recorded one piece of music, his legacy would be secure, thanks to “Angi.” This timeless guitar instrumental is to folk music what “Smoke on the Water” and “Stairway to Heaven” are to rock: endlessly copied, but rarely matched. Every budding folk guitarist must learn a basic version of “Angi” as a rite of passage, but capturing the flair and dexterity that Davy brought to the piece is a different challenge altogether. (Butterboy)


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Davy Graham - She Moved Through The Fair (from Hullabaloo 1963)

From ABC (British) TV programme Hullabaloo, 2nd November 1963.   
Introduction by Rory McEwen.  
This was the first outing for Graham's new DADGAD tuning - in fact CGCFGC, capo on 2 making it DADGAD (slightly sharp of concert).   
Seated behind him, Martin Carthy on the left (with McEwen's 12-string) and Long John Baldry on the right, both regular guests on the show.  The band watching on stage is Cyril Davies' All-Stars, the residents!

 

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