Artist:     Guy Davis

Album:     Kokomo Kidd

Label:     M.C. Records

Release Date:     09/18/2015

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Now we know who the GOP gets its nose candy from! “The Kokomo Kidd,” of course, the titular character, as well as the jaunty and jocular jump track from Guy Davis’ self-produced new release. (Spoiler alert: He also keeps the Supreme Court high, which, I suspect, explains Citizen’s United.)

Taking time from bringing the blues around the world, Davis hooks up with John Platania, Charlie Musselwhite, Professor Louie, Mark Murphy, Ben Jaffe, et al for a spirited, heartfelt ride through the backroads of rural blues. “Wish I Hadn’t Stayed Away So Long” captures the rolling heart and soul of Pete Seeger, whom Davis considers his role model. The graceful “Taking Just a Bit of Time” is a finger-pickers’ Zen, as is the easy, swinging on the back porch sound of “Maybe I’ll Go,” a lover’s paean to those ever present contradictions that make love real.

Inspired by Sonny Terry, “Shake It Like Sonny Did” is a growling, harp fueled drive, proving beyond suspicion that Davis takes his influences well beyond the museums so many artists (and audiences) trap themselves in, making the old new again.

– Mike Jurkovic