1961 blue/silver label “deep groove” mono original LP. “RVG” etched in trail-off area. Artist is listed as “Blind Gary Davis.” Later issued by Prestige Folklore (FL 14028) as “Pure Religion!” which is not to be confused with 77 Records’ release “Pure Religion And Bad Company,” a straight-from-vinyl rip of which I’ll share at some point in the future.
AllMusic Guide says:
“Recorded during a three hour session on August 24, 1960, Gary Davis laid down 12 of his most impassioned spirituals for Harlem Street Singer. Starting off the session with a version of Blind Willie Johnson’s “If I Had My Way I’d Tear That Building Down,” here renamed “Samson and Delilah,” Davis is in fine form. His vocals are as expressive as Ray Charles’ while similar in richness to Richie Havens’ work.Harlem Street Singer features his inspired country blues fingerpicking as well. Many moods color the selections, from the gentle “I Belong to the Band” to the mournful “Death Don’t Have No Mercy,” only to be followed by the joyous shouting of “Goin’ to Sit Down on the Banks of the River.” Overall, the collection is well worth the purchase and should be considered essential listening for fans of country blues or gospel.”
Rev. Gary Davis
Harlem Street Singer
(Prestige Bluesville, 1961)
MediaFire DL Link
01. Samson And Delilah
02. Let Us Get Together Right Down Here
03. I Belong To The Band
04. Pure Religion
05. Great Change Since I Been Born…
06. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
07. Twelve Gates To The City
08. Goin’ To Sit Down On The Banks Of The River
09. Tryin’ To Get Home
10. Lo, I Be With You Always
11. I Am The Light Of This World
12. Lord, I Feel Just Like Goin’ On
