A hugely influential figure on the London R & B scene in the late 1950's and early 1960's, Cyril Davies sadly left all too few records by which to remember him,; a very scarce 9 track LP with Alexis Korner, on Doug Dobell's '77' record label (named after 77 Charing Cross Road where Dobell had his music shop) and 2 x 45's on Pye International which were put together to form this e.p. Side 1 comprises the 2 Davies compositions from the first 45, namely 'Country Line Special' which was regarded as Davies's theme tune and 'Chicago calling'; the line-up for these was probably Nicky Hopkins (piano), Carlo Little (drums), Rick Brown (bass) and Bernie Watson (lead), all 4 of whom had previously been in Screaming Lord Sutch's Savages.
Side 2 has the 2 tracks from the 2nd 45 'Preachin' The Blues' and 'Sweet Mary'; the line up by this time was Keith Scott (piano), Cliff Barton (bass), Mickey Waller (drums) and Geoff Bradford (guitar).
2 further tracks were recorded, 'Someday Baby' and 'Not Fade Away' though the dates of recording and line-ups are not known.
There are some light marks on the vinyl which do not affect play; the p/s has some creasing to front and general wear to the rear. Although this sold quite well at the time of issue in 1963, it is a very difficult one to find in anything like decent condition, and mint copies command a fairly high price. I think this one is very reasonably priced in the circumstances.
