After Hours at Hull University

Liner Note Author: John Pilgrim.
Recording information: Hull University (02/04/1967).
Editor: Johnny Beecher.
Arranger: David Graham.
Recorded in a dormitory room after Graham's concert at Hull University that same evening. It's an interesting document that, according to those who lived through the period, more accurately captures Graham's live sound than the records he made at the time. Yet it's fair to say the records make better listening, both because the frequent band arrangements added some drive and texture, and because the fidelity of this tape is only fair. Graham does play with smooth virtuosity (only singing occasionally), and the set certainly reflects his diverse repertoire, including songs by Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Mongo Santamaria, Art Blakey, Gary Davis, and Nat Adderley, as well as a medley of "She Moved Through the Fair" and "Blue Raga." Exceptional packaging, with a booklet of details about the tape and odds and ends about Graham's career. ~ Richie Unterberger