Customer Reviews

John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder

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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!

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.

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!

This album is a revelation. Davis brings a spontaneous joy to the art of man who experienced so much suffering in his life. The resurrection is a kind of miracle and a rare work of art. The liner notes are a valuable testament in their own right. Thank you, Mr. Davis

Davis has acheived a minor miracle in resurrecting the works of an obscure 19th century composer. His playing expresses the spontaneous joy of a man who endured such sorrows in his life. The liner notes alone are worth buying the CD. Thank you, thank you Mr. Davis.

Blind tom is so awesome! When youn listen to his music you can actually see what you hear. For example, Rainstorm, you can just imagine yourself lying in bed one night when suddenly you hear the sweet trinkle of rain fall to your windows. Then out of no where you hear storm clouds and lightening , just to come back to the serene droplets serenading your dreams. I recommend this to any pianst who loves dynamics!

I heard selections from the CD on 29 February as part of the WETA (public radio in Washington, D.C.) salute to Black History Month. I cannot recommend it too highly. The CD combines the work of a superb pianist with extraordinarily beautiful and inventive compositions. It was a magical musical discovery for me, and I am sure that it will be for others as well.

Absolutely stunning CD. Refined and delicate. Music typical somewhat of the mid 1800s with a modern classical feel occasionally. Enjoyable listening/intriguing/exciting/relaxing. A piano lover's must-have.

Not only is Tom's music incredible, but John Davis is one outstanding pianist. I thank Mr. Davis for bringing this music to the public.

I first heard about this story on ABC's UpClose; an interview with the pianist, John Davis, about the life of Blind Tom Wiggins, the composer of this beautiful, lilting music. John Davis researched the Georgia slave and possibly savaunt musical prodigy of the mid 1800s, and came up with as many as 100 compositions this blind man wrote. Mr. Davis played a few pieces on the show and I knew I had to have the CD. Since I enjoy semi to classical music on the order of Chopin, Mozart, Offenbach and Ragtime music by Scott Joplin, and others, I had goose bumps when I heard the whole CD. You want to hum, tap your feet, and just take in this mans' melodic music. There is a little bit of Chopin and Joplin intermixed and I thought the sound of the piano and pianist were excellent. One should know the story of this composer and realize what he went through; but there's also a happy ending of sorts. I am just a consumer, but I recommend this CD highly.