John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder

Thomas Wiggins (Composer), John Davis (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: John Davis
• Composer: Thomas Wiggins
• Audio CD (January 11, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Newport Classic
• ASIN: B00003OPAP
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #178,064 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless music, February 23, 2002

By 

J. Reich "trendputter" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder (Audio CD)

John Davis plays Blind Tom is a composition you can put in your computer - surf the web, relax in leisure when listening, admire, feel good about, or just plain loose yourself in the music.

One of my favorite music CD's. When I wish to listen to great music composed by a true master of the piano, Thomas Wiggins, I find this CD greatly satisfying. I find track 14. Reve Charmant--Nocturne especially relaxing. Of course, "Battle of Manassas" and "The Rainstorm" are synonymous with Blind Tom and these are his most popular compositions. I was surprised to find on this CD many other great songs; I had previously not had the pleasure of hearing. Oliver Galop is a short, energetic song with youthful rhythm. Cyclone Galop is the style and creativity only of Tom.

Included with the CD is a booklet, which provides good detail of information of Tom's life. The first history of Tomas Wiggins provided is written by John Davis, a well-written short story, others include Ricky Jay, Oliver Sacks, and finally Amiri Baraka.

For the most part forgotten in American history, Blind Tom's music is truly inspiring. I greatly admire Tom's music creativity, not to mention John Davis's recreation of this unique music. I rarely purchase classical music although this CD was unexpectedly surprising. I cannot express myself enough about the quality of this recording.

I would love to witness more of Tom's compositions reintroduced. A great compilation of fine music, bravo!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glimpse into the past, September 28, 2001

By 

Tim Phillips (Yuma, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder (Audio CD)

John Davis very lovingly plays these "tour de force" works by a composer whose name is usually known only to historians. While Mr. Davis has an obviously solid keyboard technique, his interpretations go beyond notes on a page. They bring new life to this now all but forgotten musician. He plays the music with unusual insight, devotion, and expertise. A joy to hear over and over again. Recommended very highly.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Album is Addicting, February 25, 2003

By 

Winifred Centofante "Matriarch" (Hendersonville, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder (Audio CD)

I, too, saw the interview with John Davis on Nightline and ordered the album. This is wonderful music, stirring, descriptive, evocative and beautiful. John Davis'interpretive and technical skills bring it to glorious life. The album begs to be played and over and over, and contrary to becoming tiresome, becomes more beautiful and meaningful with repetition.

I should think that no music lover could hear it without becoming fascinated with the melodies, the cadences and without a doubt, the history behind it all. Where did this beautiful music come from? And did Blind Tom play it with the sensitivity that we hear in John Davis' presentation?

Fourteen of Blind Tom's compositions played by John Davis is not enough. Mr. Davis - more, please!