Brooks Williams - Brooks' Blues

Published Saturday 3rd December 2016
Brooks Williams - Brooks' Blues
Brooks Williams - Brooks' Blues

STYLE: Blues
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 163799-24793
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1


Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Now based in the UK, Statesboro, Georgia-born troubadour Brooks Williams has had something of a prolific year with this the second of two albums in the space of just 12 months. In contrast to the full-banded 'My Turn Now', Williams has stripped things back to just him and his acoustic, resonator and cigar box guitars to cover a handful of his favourite blues songs. Williams' warm vocal delivery - full of character and pathos - matches the intimate feel of this record perfectly and he puts his own stamp on well-worn standards such as Little Walter's "My Babe" and Robert Johnson's "From Four Until Late". Elsewhere, Williams claims his birth right to perform Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues" with authenticity whilst the general jolly delivery of these old classics are tempered by sincere readings of more thought-provoking numbers like "Backwater Blues" (Bessie Smith) and "Mother Earth" (Memphis Slim). A couple of gospel blues numbers - "On The Rolling Sea" and Reverend Gary Davis' "I Will Do My Last Singing" - round off another great release from the versatile Mr Williams.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.