Martha Davis

“A rare film clip of the rollicking pianist Martha Davis”

A forgotten name today, Martha Davis (1917-60) was a dazzling boogie-woogie and blues pianist who could really rip up the piano in addition to taking occasional vocals.

In her relatively short life, she recorded just 18 selections during 1946-47, seven in 1951 and two albums in the 1950s.

As “Martha Davis and Spouse,” she often worked with her husband bassist Calvin Ponder.

This outstanding performance from 1954 features Davis playing a very fast boogie-woogie, making it all look effortless.

-Scott Yanow