Eleven years is a long time between recordings. It's an even longer time between debut
and sophomore albums. Harpist/vocalist Davenport has finally released his second album, and
although it is hard to say that eleven years was worth the wait, this collection is excellent!
Though not as cohesive as his 1991 debut, When the Blues Hit You, Davenport has
delivered a winner with I Smell A Rat. The obvious questions: Why hasn't he recorded more
often? And how come it took eleven years to release new material? We may never know the
answers, but we certainly know that it is a shame because Davenport is a true gem -- an under-
utilized, under-recorded gem.
Davenport, who is mainly known for playing as a sideman to Bo Diddley and Big Daddy Kinsey,
can stand up to any 1960's Chicago Blues Man. Helped by guitarist and producer Jimmy Dawkins;
Detroit Junior on piano; Allen Batts, also on piano; Jimi Schutte on drums and Bob Stroger on bass,
Davenport has crafted an album that could easily be confused with some of the later, rock-
influenced Chess recordings. Highlights include: "My Mama Rocks Me," "So
Wurrid," the instrumental "To Our Lost Ones 9/11/01," the album opener "Bad
Treatment" and "Knocked on Every Door."
~ Mike Perciaccante
