A brilliant original guitarist and powerful singer, Reverend Gary Davis was a major influence on many of the devoted young folk musicians of the Sixties, such as Taj Mahal, Dave Van Ronk (who was featured with him at this concert) as well as more commercially successful performers like The Grateful Dead.

Of the many tapes I have made of Reverend Gary Davis, this one is my personal favorite. It captures, I feel, the particular mox of speechifyin' and musical brilliance that was Gary's signature.  Of particular interest is the quintessential Davis tune "How Much We Can Bear."  Here, Gary serves up "all the good stuff" - powerful vocals, masterful raggtime guitar, and lyrics that speak the story of a man who lived his own music.  Live & Kickin' was recorded January 27, 1967.

 - Michael Nerenberg