Josh Williams: Down Home

I first saw and heard Josh Williams perform as a relatively new band member of Rhonda Vincent and the Rage in the spring of 2004, at a small theatre venue, The Carroll County High School Auditorium, in Hillsville, Virginia. I had been a fan of Audie Blaylock, and went to the show somewhat distressed that Rhonda had fired Audie to hire this new young guitar player. I can't remember if I was more impressed initially by his guitar playing, his vocals or the magic he made when he took the mandolin from Rhonda. By the end of the show, however, I was definitely a Josh Williams fan, and remain a fan today.

I believe this new CD represents Josh's finest work to date, and I have spent the time I've had this new recording comparing it to each of the Grammy nominees from 2009, and 2008. I do not think there is a recording the lot of them that is remotely close to as good as "Down Home". The things that have jumped out at me as I have listened to this CD are: (1) This project has "Grammy" written all over it, and (2) Why has Josh not yet received the award for male vocalist of the year from either SPBGMA or IBMA. In my opinion, Josh Williams has come to the top of the heap vocally as well as instrumentally!

This new CD begins with an up tempo and more driving version than I've heard of Billy Smith's "Lonesome Feeling". I've always liked this song, but it now seems as if it has been lying in wait for Josh to record it with the drive it was lacking in other versions. Second is a very moving tune that was new to me, from Steve Spurgin, called "Kodak 1955". If you've never lost someone close to you, you might not feel the shear emotion Josh stirs in his vocal work on this track. Next is the classic "Polka on a Banjo", with Josh's vocal mastery, matching the legendary Kenny Ingram's banjo expertise from start to finish.

Next is "The Last Song", another tune that Josh started doing as a member of Rhonda's "Ragin' Live" band. I've always thought that Josh sang this song better than anyone I have ever heard sing it, but now that fact should be clear to everyone.

"Blue Railroad Train" is a cover of this old Delmore Brothers tune, done by the Tony Rice Unit in a tribute to the IBMA award winners in an old "American Music Shop" Josh said it has long been a dream of his to re-record this tune featuring Tony Rice, his guitar hero, on guitar, with Josh on mandolin and handling the lead vocals. I believe the dream conception worked well for him, and that his production has resulted in an also dreamy execution! Next is the CD's only all instrumental track, "Cherokee Shuffle". Here Josh reminds us of his guitar, mandolin, and banjo skills, which was an absolute delight for me. Carl Jackson's beautiful song, "Down Home" leaves no doubt as why Josh chose the tune as the title track, or why Carl's quotes about it show his pride in Josh's execution of the song. My vote for 2010 "Song of the Year" will undoubtedly be for this track. Tom T. and Dixie Hall's clever song, "We'll Burn That Bridge" follows, and again is a standout because of the stellar harmony by Josh with Jamie Dailey and Darin Vincent.

Josh Williams and Mickey Harris give an awesome tribute to the sound made famous by Buck Owens and Don Rich in this cover of Homer J. Joyce's "Streets of Bakerfield". Next this version of the old Vern Gosden hit, "Dream of Me" continues to highlight Josh's vocal work, as does his cover of the first of two older Special Consensus tracks" Blue Water" and Darren Wilcox's "Stealing Away".

Overall the recording has the best of everything. From song selection, to vocal and instrumental tracks, this project will be difficult to top, or even match in 2010.

This great project makes me wonder what magic will come next from Josh Williams. I'm hoping it will be a new, first recording from the Josh Williams Band!

Added: February 6th 2010
Reviewer: Shannon Bullins
Score:
Related Link: Josh Williams official website
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