Guy Davis at Reeth Memorial Hall – An Evening of Blues and Soul in Swaledale
Tonight I had the great pleasure of photographing the legendary American bluesman Guy Davis, who brought his rich, rootsy sound to Reeth Memorial Hall. It’s not every day that a performer of such international stature steps onto the stage in a quiet Dales village — and what a performance it was.
From the moment he walked on stage, guitar in hand and harmonica at the ready, Guy had the room in the palm of his hand. His set was a masterclass in storytelling, drawing from the deep well of traditional blues, folk, and Americana — a tribute to the heritage of artists like Lead Belly, Robert Johnson, and his own father, the actor Ossie Davis. Between songs, he shared stories and reflections that were just as captivating as the music itself.
Photographing live music is always a joy, but when the performer is as expressive and emotive as Guy Davis, it becomes something more than documentation — it feels like capturing a conversation between artist and audience.
Huge thanks, as always, to the team at Reeth Memorial Halll for making events like this possible. Their commitment to bringing world-class artists to our local communities is inspiring, and it’s a privilege to be able to photograph and support their work.
You can see a selection of images from the evening below — I hope they capture some of the spirit of what was a truly special night of music in the heart of the Dales.
