John Davis Plays Blind Tom: The Eighth Wonder
Between 1857 and 1904, Tom Wiggins led a life fit for the big screen: He was born a blind slave, but his masters soon discovered his real value lay in his prolific talents at the piano. Billed as both "The Eighth Wonder of the World" and an idiot savant, Blind Tom (presumably autistic) could replay passages on first hearing, take requests from a list of 7,000 works, and impress the classical music critics of the Civil War-era with his stunning virtuosity--all the while scaring audiences with his inexplicable onstage antics. In the 1860s, he was earning $100,000 a year for his masters (and for the Confederacy), touring the country and Europe. Of course, this story has a sadder ending: After being traded numerous times by masters (and later "guardians") and eventually giving up his career--Blind Tom was buried in a pauper's grave.On this insightful disc, 14 of Tom's original 100 or so compositions live on in the hands of pianist John Davis. While "Battle of Manassas" is perhaps Tom's most enduring piece, the entire disc is entertaining and playful. The music is a strange and wonderful mix of romantic compositions, gallops, marches, and a nocturne. Tom's music is charming--he imitated nature sounds ("The Rainstorm," composed when Tom was just five) and sewing machines ("Sewing Machine")--and, at times, sophisticated. Davis has a true love for this music and the liner notes--including an essay byAmiri Baraka--are extensive. In short, it's a enlightening discovery and a fun disc for all piano lovers.--Jason Verlinde