The vinyl looks stunning on both sides apart from a small area across Tracks 2 and 3 on Side 2. Side 1 end of track 6 a very minor fuzzy revolution and a couple of very lightweight crackles and a couple of very quiet crackles on Side 2 track 2 and in between 2 & 3. In no way does any of this take anything from the listening pleasure and after 50 years it really is in remarkable condition, but these couple of small blemishes do mark it down from Excellent. Labels are perfect. Apart from a few creases in the spine, exaggerated on the front because of the sheen to the front cover, the cover is in remarkably good condition. A little rubbed along the opening side. The inner sleeve is original and a little torn around the central label window and creased in the corners but still looking good after 50 years The record was released as mono (LK-5011) and Stereo (SLK-5011). This is the stereo version and the sleeve is marked as such in the required small hole on the sleeve in the top right hand corner on the back.A classic 60’s Decca cover.

VINYL: VG+

LABEL: Ex

COVER: VG+

Side 1

1. Getting better
2. Lotus blossom
3. I’m ready
4. Buhaina chant
5. Homeward bound
6. Love is pleasing
7. Hornpipe for harpsichord played upon guitar

Side 2

1. Down along the cove
2. Hoochie coochie man
3. Stan’s guitar
4. Pretty polly
5. Bulgarian dance
6. I am a rock
7. Oliver

The cover gives an interesting insight into the ideas surrounding this eclectic collection of music. There are various influences, or perhaps, styles on show here and only by reading the cover do you understand why. There is a simple one liner against each track as well which shows off Davy’s influences and friendships but also his sense of humour. ‘Getting better’ described as ‘The two lads who wrote this, show definite promise’. It’s a shame both were unable to completely fulfil that promise, albeit for completely different reasons.

Davy Graham was undoubtedly an absolute genius when it came to the acoustic guitar and this is showcased throughout. There is more than a smattering of Indian sitar music on here for which he gives credit to his Eastern influences and studies. But it’s mixed with folk and his unique take on the more populistic songs from the time. He calls out Paul Simon as a good friend of his and includes two tracks. Personally it would take something extra special to offer an improvement on Homeward bound but he is brave enough to offer an alternative to what is, simply, a great song.

My personal favourite happens to be ‘Pretty Polly’. Described here as a murder ballad. Well, I’ve heard a few ballads murdered over the years but this is simply beautiful. The sleeve notes indicate it’s Appalachian in origin and the mountains were witness to a Scottish presence in the late 1800’s. Apparently they hardly mixed with the locals at the time. Perhaps a formative SNP off-shoot from years gone by.

And side 2 concludes with a style from the 16th century that clearly would not have been out of place in the Kings courts at the time of the Tudors.

One thing you cannot do here is pigeon hole this LP. It crosses many musical borders, and as such, you would have to go a long way to hear a more diverse offering from a man playing a single instrument type. Skiffle, Indian, blues, folk, classical are the obvious but he stretches way beyond this. Credit to the record company for supporting an output of this type. It doesn’t sound to me like they were only thinking of the commercial or profit side of their business.

It is an absolute brick of a record the likes of which I cannot imagine would see the light of day nowadays. His finger picking style influenced many, perhaps more famous guitarists, from the early years (Bert Jansch, Ralph McTell, Nick Drake) and he was credited as being one of the most influential inspirations of the folk movement in the 60’s. Commercial success didn’t appear to be a major target for him but he offered a lot more. His ever lasting legacy, apart from his music and influences across many areas, was his invention of the DADGAD guitar tuning. Sadly he died in 2008 after a short illness but left behind this wonderful offering. If your musical interests cross many boundaries and styles this output will surely never disappoint.