(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)January 21, 2003

(Mahwah) – The Delta blues of the ’20s and ’30s live on in Guy Davis’ one-man show, In Bed With the Blues: The Adventures of Fishy Waters, coming to the Sharp Theater at Ramapo College’s Berrie Center Thursday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.

Inspired by the timeless work of the great country blues masters, Davis’ acoustic blues show features classic blues tunes from Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell and Mississippi John Hurt. Described as a sad yet deeply affectionate portrait of the quintessential Southern bluesman,” by the Village Voice, the show interweaves the fictional tale of Fishy Waters, who, like Muddy Waters, was a sharecropper’s son who chose to sing the blues instead of work the fields as a poor, tenant farmer.

Throughout his life, Davis has had overlapping interests in music and acting. Early acting roles included a part in the film Beat Street, and on television in One Life to Live. Eventually Davis had the opportunity to combine music and acting on the stage. He made his Broadway debut in 1991 in the Zora Neale Hurston/Langston Hughes collaboration, Mulebone, which featured the music of Taj Mahal. It was through Taj Mahal that he found his way to the old time blues. He also loved musicians such as Fats Waller and Gustav Holst. Zora Neale Hurston and Garrison Keillor influenced his writing and storytelling.

Throughout his career, Davis has dedicated himself to reviving the traditions of acoustic blues and bringing them to as many ears as possible through the material of the great blues masters, African-American stories, and his own original songs, stories, and performance pieces. Davis taught himself the guitar – never having the patience to take formal lessons – and learned by listening to and watching other musicians. One night on a train from Boston to New York, he picked up finger picking from a nine-fingered guitar player.

Davis released his sixth album, give in kind, in spring 2002. He also has released Butt Naked Free (2000), You Do”t Know My Mind (1998), Call Down The Thunder (1996), Stomp Down Rider (1995), and Guy Davis – Live (1993). Davis has also appeared on 15 compilation albums featuring a diversity of artists such as Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Van Ronk, Jack Elliott, Jackson Browne, John Gorka and Warren Zevon.

The Sharp Theater is located in the Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts on the Ramapo College campus, Mahwah. It is easily accessible from routes 202, 17 and Interstate 287. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students with valid I.D.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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