CD Review by Bob McKillop

 

Randall Williams was trained in classical voice technique in a Belgium conservatory, and that training comes through in the measure of care with which he sings.  Velvet vocals, clear diction, perfect pitch.  It’s really quite beautiful.

His early 2008 release, “Praying for Land”, is full of this wonderful singing, along with his expertly picked acoustic guitar playing, and contributions from some other very talented musicians.  Ann Hurley’s cello sets a mood on “I Will Come for You”.  Slats Klug’s Wurliter adds some heady atmosphere in “Guatemala”.  Gordon Lowry’ guitar leads are key elements of many of these songs, and Krista Detor’s harmonies compliment William’s lead vocals nicely.  Dave Weber (Carrie Newcomer, Krista Detor) gets production credits and the disc was recorded at Airtime Studios in Bloomington, Indiana.  The mix is clear, if not intricately engineered, and I like the way the bass and percussion are important, but not over-emphasized in the mix.

The title track, “Praying for Land”, is a song in praise of explorers, and of people who draw on their spirit.  A rambling drum shuffle suggests an open, unfamiliar road.  Fiddle, piano, and guitar move us through two sets of verses; the first invokes those who went out into the mists of adventure, and never returned; the second calls up the successes of those who came back from the unknown.   Both sets of lyrics celebrate the spirit in these explorers, and the ordinary people who bring that spirit to their ordinary lives.

“I Will Come For You” is the story of a World War II veteran who has a daughter with a Belgian lover.  He never gets to meet his child, or complete his life with his lover, due to the forces of war and fate that inexorably pull people apart.  The reunion at the close of the song makes for a tender tale of reconciliation and destiny.  I loved the story telling, but the song never kicked in for me emotionally – the structure and the lyrical texture just doesn’t lift the narrative above the level of factual reporting.

My favorite on the album is “Stronger for Your Flame”.    A joyous piano part, combined with a strong, strummed guitar groove, give this track a great, moving spirit.  Laura Cerulli’s percussion keeps us honest, and  Krista Detor’s backing vocals add highlights to the chorus in a way that brings home the message.  On this track, Williams finally digs in with conservatory-trained voice, and conveys some emotion and passion in a manner that is missing on one or two of these other tunes. 

“’Cause you were all of this and more

Borrowed light from those who came before

And the children who haven’t yet been named

Are stronger for your spark

Stronger for your flame”

Randall Williams was chosen in 2007 from among the emerging artists at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and so will be touring with the Falcon Ridge Preview tour along with Anthony Da Costa, Lindsey Mac, and Joe Crookston – a pretty good line up! 

You can buy his sophomore release, “Praying for Land”, from CD Baby at http://cdbaby.com/cd/randallb3