Customer Reviews

Gail Davies - Greatest Hits

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... the other being Emmylou Harris, who has appeared on Gail albums and invited Gail to appear on hers (SALLY ROSE, e.g.). The first woman in Nashville to arrange and produce her own records (back in the '70s), Gail Davies also has one of the best voices in the biz (think Patsy Cline crossed with Joni Mitchell, both of whom she has covered), and is one of the best songwriters, producers, and arrangers around. Her catalog is among the most consistently excellent of any artist. (Most of her 11 or so studio albums are out of print; she had some pretty big hits, but never seemed willing or interested enough in playing the game, so she never became as famous as she deserved to be).

If you haven't heard Gail you really owe it to yourself to give her a try. A good place to start is this 1997 GREATEST HITS -- re-recordings of 20 mostly early songs. And unlike many re-records, these are as good as, and sometimes better than, the originals, which they are pretty faithful to.

Despite some success on the country charts in the early eighties, Gail never got the recognition that her music deserved. Her original albums from those years have never been released on CD nor has a compilation of those recordings ever been released, so those who must have the original Warner recordings will have to seek out the original vinyl albums. Gail tried hard to get a compilation of them released but didn't succeed. The full story can found on Gail's own website.

The first hits package (Best of, Capitol, 1991) contained re-recordings of her Warner hits plus a couple of tracks licensed from RCA for whom she recorded just one album, one of which (Unwed fathers) features Dolly Parton on backing vocals. Because Gail is not regarded as a major name, it didn't take long for that collection to go out of print once Gail parted company with Capitol. Eventually, Gail decided to re-record her hits again, but to retain ownership of the masters. In this way, her music will be available to the public for as long as she wants it to be without reliance on a record company. To finance this album, Gail sold her house in Nashville - a major commitment to her music and her fans.

Given that the original hits (except for two for RCA) have never been released on CD and aren't likely to be, this is the definitive compilation of Gail's music. Because Gail had complete control of the project, all the classics are here, whether they are her own songs or covers of classic oldies.

The most famous oldie here is Singing the blues, which was first recorded by Marty Robbins but became a much bigger hit for Guy Mitchell and - in the UK - Tommy Steele. Other covers include I'll be there (Ray Price), You turn me on I'm a radio (Joni Mitchell) and It's a lovely lovely day (Carl Smith).

Gail was a fine songwriter and here you will find Someone is looking for someone like you, Bucket to the south, Grandma's song, Kentucky and some other wonderful songs. Gail also recorded original songs written by others including Jagged edge of a broken heart, You're a hard dog to put under the porch, Unwed fathers and Blue heartache.

Although Gail was unable to get Dolly to join the project, the credits include Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Kevin Welch, Mandy Barnett, Kathy Mattea and Michelle Wright - a strong supporting cast.

Re-recordings are generally treated with suspicion but I've learned through years of experience that some are brilliant. And if it weren't for these re-recordings, Gail's music would be unavailable on CD.

This "Greatest Hits" CD gave me an opportunity to revisit the voice of one of Music's finest and purest voices. To any music enthusiast, this collection should be a "Must Have". Gail has one of the best voices in Nashville, and has had for a long time. Others have gained more notariety, but few have the true gift that Gail has. Not only as a singer, but equally as a songwriter. She truly has a feel for the human spirit. Buy this CD. You will not be disappointed. Reviewer:John McCall

Like the previous poster, I was also a Country Music DJ in the early 1980's. I found these re-releases very faithful to the origionals, and over the years, her voice has actually gotten better.

When I saw this was a remake, I was afraid that "Grandma's Song" would be remake of the radio-edit version, but was glad to hear it was the full-length album version, which if I remember correctly from way back, actually featured a recording of her grandmother singing.

If someone wants to know what Gail Davies sounds like....think of Anne Murray if she hadn't sold out to Top 40 Radio.

If you like the "Ladies of the 80's", this is a good album to go on the shelf with your Lacy J. Dalton and Janie Frickie CD's

A compilation disc that makes one aware of the absolute beauty and candor of Ms. Davies' works. Gail Davies is one of best singer-songwriters around and deserves the far more public recognition than she receives. Powerful stuff.

Gail Davies is truely the best. I wish radios could play more of her music. I have been looking for her music every where I'm glad I found it here.

This fine talent has all the skills neccesary to be Nashville finest artist. Her roots unlike so many new personalities is true to her craft. There is not a more pure voice or finer lyricist/music arranger, instrumentalist in the craft today. Best of all Gail Davies is music to the ears and if you've seen her perform she's unforgetable.

One can only wonder why this lady never broke thru. She has one of most impressive vocals ever recorded. She had many hits but never attained the commercial success. Maybe with this hits package she will. Gail soars with these remakes of her classics. For example listen to Jagged edge, I'll be there, Tell me why or if you like a little softer edge try a go at Grandma's song, Not a day, Kentucky. Listening to these songs makes me want all her albums on cd. Gail was one of the first to write and produce her own songs. She surely knows what to do in the mist of wearing many hats. If you want a true artist with style for music here is your gift. I only wish there were more tracks but with 20 selections it's still a hit.

It's a very good work with one major exception: These are re-releases! I was a country DJ during much of the time she released these tunes, and after hundreds of spins (yes, her Warner Brothers material was on vinyl) I know the sound to this day. If you remember the exact sound from the originals and expect that from this album, you'll be disappointed. Radio stations and purists whom are after the originals should skip this album.