This disc not only documents a rare talent, but a rather bizarre piece of American history. Blind Tom was a Georgia slave who became the highest paid pianist of his time, but who saw none of the money. He died in 1908, still under the control of the family that once owned him. His story aside, however, he created beautiful piano music, recreated here by the excellent pianist John Davis. Similar to
Scott Joplin's work in their syncopation and stride style, the tunes are at once joyous and sentimental, evocative of a specific point in time that is quite bittersweet, especially when you consider the details of Blind Tom's life. ~ Tim Sheridan