John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder

Thomas Wiggins (Composer), John Davis (Performer)

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 (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #130,750 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Between 1857 and 1904, Tom Wiggins led a life fit for the big screen: He was born a blind slave, but his masters soon discovered his real value lay in his prolific talents at the piano. Billed as both "The Eighth Wonder of the World" and an idiot savant, Blind Tom (presumably autistic) could replay passages on first hearing, take requests from a list of 7,000 works, and impress the classical music critics of the Civil War-era with his stunning virtuosity--all the while scaring audiences with his inexplicable onstage antics. In the 1860s, he was earning $100,000 a year for his masters (and for the Confederacy), touring the country and Europe. Of course, this story has a sadder ending: After being traded numerous times by masters (and later "guardians") and eventually giving up his career--Blind Tom was buried in a pauper's grave.

On this insightful disc, 14 of Tom's original 100 or so compositions live on in the hands of pianist John Davis. While "Battle of Manassas" is perhaps Tom's most enduring piece, the entire disc is entertaining and playful. The music is a strange and wonderful mix of romantic compositions, gallops, marches, and a nocturne. Tom's music is charming--he imitated nature sounds ("The Rainstorm," composed when Tom was just five) and sewing machines ("Sewing Machine")--and, at times, sophisticated. Davis has a true love for this music and the liner notes--including an essay by Amiri Baraka--are extensive. In short, it's a enlightening discovery and a fun disc for all piano lovers. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 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)

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

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful story, what beautiful music., September 17, 2002

By	J. R. Kersh "car nut" (SACRAMENTO, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.