Hat

Highly influential, though often overlooked, British folk guitarist/vocalist Davy Graham recorded several albums during the 1960s and then went into semi-retirement. This '69 outing, which features solid support by bassist Danny Thompson and drummer John Spooner, showcases Graham's dynamic acoustic guitar work, with the trio running through a set of (primarily) pop and blues standards, including the Beatles' "Getting Better," Simon & Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound," and Willie Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie Man." The most intriguing tracks, however, are those that veer further left of field, particularly Graham's stunning solo instrumental takes on jazz legend Art Blakey's "Buhaina Chant" and the traditional "Bulgarian Dance," which creates a hypnotically frenetic vibe. Adventurous, eclectic, and consistently well-executed, HAT is a lost gem that is sure to please open-minded fans of late-'60s British folk.