Customer Reviews

I Ain't Lyin'

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By the time this, his debut major label, recording was made, Sammy had been playing harp for almost 60 years. A long time side man for Earl Hooker, Sam finally is making a name for himself. This album was nominated for a W.C. Handy award and won sammy the Come Back Artist of the Year, and runner-up Harmonicist of the year from Living Blues magazine. Sammy also won the Little Walter Lifetime Achievment award from the House of Blues. Just give a listen to this album or catch Sam live and you too will know that Sam is a national treasure.

My primary reason for writing this review is that I thought it was an early recording of Sammy Davis Jr., and it's not. I wouldn't want anyone else to make the same mistake.

That being said, it's a pretty fun album. Lots of lively playing, and a really warm feel. I recommend it if you're into the blues. I don't own many blues albums (okay, I don't own any apart from this one) but setting aside the fact that I'd expected something else, I'm pretty happy to have stumbled across this little gem.

For any era, this is a great blues album. Little Sammy Davis is a bluesman on equal with Muddy Waters, BB King, or Little Walter and this album demonstrates it clearly. Little Sammy's voice and harp can be gritty and beautiful, he can rock or take you down to his portch in the Delta. The musicianship here is first rate as the band treats the material with the reverence it truly deserves. Kudos Little Sammy and band. Please give us more...soon.

"I Ain't Lyin" is the most authentic and passionate blues album I have heard in some time. Little Sammy's singing and harp playing are on par with his peers; Muddy Waters, BB King, and Little Walter. And Sammy certainly stands up to any current bluesmen on the scene today. The band on the album play with great subtlety and musicianship and treat the material with the reverence it deserves. The album is great, I can't wait to hear what is next.