Sunday 22 January 2012

Brooks Williams

Brooks Williams



"How soulful a solo guitarist can be when he has 
talent, taste and astonishing technique."
(Blues Revue)




"Darkness" Playing with his colleague Boo Hewerdine State of the Union)

Brooks'  journey takes him all the way from his home in Statesboro (Georgia) via Boston (New England)  to Cambridge (UK). He is the quintessential "Journeyman" musician who has mastered musical styles on his way and made them his own. He has spent the last 23 years on the road, giging with the likes of  Taj Mahal, Paul Jones, John Hammond and many more. He has performed extensively across the North America & Europe and was one of the headline acts at this years' Shrewsbury Folk Festival. His prodigious talent and musical knowledge reflects his dedication to his art and his skill in captivating the audience and his large fan base. He was recently named one of the top 100 Acoustic Guitarists (Acustic Magazine) and has over 17 recordings to his name.

Brooks at Glastonbury 2012

He is not only a blues man but the blues remains an integral part of his musical persona reflecting his roots in Georgia. He is a virtuoso on bottleneck slide as well as his effortless fingerpicking and flat picking styles. He plays a mixture of traditional roots music interspersed with his own original material.
Blind Willie McTell's original recording

Brooks Williams (hometown) Statesboro Blues


I first heard the "Statesboro Blues" on Taj Mahal's electrifying debut album in 1968. The songs goes back much further and Brooks' version reflects Blind Willie McTell original recording. Many believed that Blind Willie was also a native of Statesboro, but he was born in Thomson (Georgia) referring to Staesboro as his "real home". Not a bad legacy to hail from!


Sadly we missed Brook's performance at Glastonbury this year, despite the fact that our stall is close to the Burbon Stage where he played. It is often the acts that you sadly miss at Glastonbury that makes you want to back again the following year!
We hope to see you in Montgomery on 25th February to join us at this unique gig. Numbers are limited, so get hold of your tickets as soon as possible!


His latest Album in partnership with fellow member of "The State of the Union" Boo Hewerdine
"A beautiful album, full of classy playing and great songs" (Acoustic Magazine) State of the Union is a masterclass in song writing, showing off the talents of bluesy American stalwart Brooks Williams and cult British singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine to full effect. Whether it's authentic Americana, delicate ballads, re-imagining modern pop or a new take on the classic standard "Peg And Awl" the union of Williams and Hewerdine is in a wildly creative state, producing one of the year's must-have albums




Brooks Williams "Weeping Willow Blues"
The Gig

  • 25th February 2012: Brooks Williams
  • Montgomery Youth Centre: 7.30 p.m.
    • £12 per person
    • Bring your own drinks and glasses
    • "Savoury nibbles" provided
    • Tickets from "Bunners" or hmdjones@btinternet.com

Discography
Baby O! (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2010)
The Time I Spend With You (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2008)
Blues and Ballads (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2006)
Guitar Player (Solid Air Records, 2005)
Live Solo (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2004)
Nectar (Signature Sounds, 2003)
Acoustic Beginnings 1990-1991: A Best Of (Red Guitar Blue Music, )2002
Skiffle-Bop (Signature Sounds, 2001)
Dead Sea Café 1992-1997: A Best Of (Silent Planet Records, 2000)
Little Lion (Signature Sounds, 2000)
Hundred Year Shadow (Signature Sounds, 1999)
Seven Sisters (Green Linnet Records, 1997)
Knife Edge (Green Linnet Records, 1996)
Ring Some Changes: Guitar Duets with Jim Henry (Signature Sounds, 1995)
Inland Sailor (Green Linnet Records, 1994)
Back To Mercy (Green Linnet Records, 1992)
How The Night-time Sings (Red Guitar Blue Music, 1991)
North From Statesboro (Red Guitar Blue Music, 1990)



Links
Brooks Williams:      http://brookswilliams.com/
My Space:                 http://www.myspace.com/redguitarbluemusic
No Bones Jones:       http://www.nobonesjones.co.uk/








Friday 20 January 2012

Back On The Road! The Journey Continues



Resting on my journey!

A Happy New Year to you all our loyal followers who may have been wondering whether the three intrepid travellers and echo champions had taken the wrong turning and strayed away from the Blues Road for ever. To quote that well known philosopher from Yellowstone Park, Yogi Bear, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." We took it and we have had a great time but the Blues bekons us back on our journey.

Tucker and Win Bones

We don't have a route and we don't have a destination but we are going to listen, promote and enjoy some great music in the meantime. No Bones and I are planning to run a series of Blues and Jazz evenings in Montgomery over the next 12 months. Even Tucker, buried in the wilds of Yorkshire, has been tempted out of hibernation. I am told that the thought of joining his old traveling mates has driven him out of his state of suspended animation and he now has a recordable metabolic rate!


Mississippi John Hurt's Grave


Those experiences that we had along the Great Mississippi helped us understand the origins and the nature of the music and we want to share them with our friends and our fellow "Blog Travellers". When I listen to those Mississippi John Hurt blues and ballads now, I feel that I have a tangible link with the Delta and his forgotten grave in a wood on the edge of the flat delta plain. We can't provide you with the same experience but we can share our passion for the music and give you the opportunity to see some fantastic musicians in our own Mid Wales backyard.


No Bones and Mrs No Bones winning Gold at Glasto


No Bones has had a great year which culminated in him winning the Gold Medal for the Greenest Trader at Glastonbury. He and Gill are still cooking great food and providing a warm hospitable welcome for all those who visit us in Montgomery.

Tucker with that silly shirt!

Tucker is still writing his book and playing music whenever he can and I am enjoying retirement, building coracles and living and working in our new home and garden overlooking my beloved Welsh Hills.


Coracle man (Not very steady!)

Our first gig will be on February 25th in Montgomery at the Youth Centre at 7.30pm. We have hit the jackpot by securing one of the finest Blues and Acoustic performers resident in the UK. Come and join us and listen to legendary Brooks Williams. I will be posting more information on Brooks in the next few days. So watch this space and join us for what promises to be a great evening

The Great Brooks Williams: Montgomery 25th February