**NOTE: Contest is now closed. You can still participate but will no longer be eligible for the giveaway.**
DC area artist Bill Williams, whom you may have previously seen in the capitol area with such bands as Last Train Home, Kevin Johnson and the Linemen and The Grandsons, recently released his first solo effort. The album titled Handful is a collection of 13 songs of roots soaked americana. Joining him on this journey are friends and DC-area veterans like Scott McKnight, Tony Flagg (bass), Steve Woerle (drums), Chris Watling (saxophone, accordion), Dave Van Allen (pedal steel) and Shannon Brown (harmony vocals). You’ve heard me mention Dave Van Allen before who is Last Train Home’s go to pedal steel guy and likely the best pedal steel musician you’ll hear in this area. I give Williams a ton of credit for surrounding himself with this talented crew.
Handful opens with “Helen” a catchy tune with humorous lyrics like “Helen, she’s not that beautiful but you know how rumors spread / She’s been in everyone’s bed”. “Beautiful Dreamer”, the second track is a Stephen Foster penned song. I’m guessing this song takes second position to both set the tone for the album and to recognize Williams as a student of early American songwriting. “Sentimental Values” is perhaps the most memorable song on the album due to the colorful instrumentation and beautiful harmony over sweet lyrics. The most rockinist song on the album and of course my favorite is “Soup du Jour”, reminiscent of something you’d hear from Elvis Costello and The Attractions or The Replacements. While I think the album is a great first solo effort, “Soup du Jour” is the song that I’d like to hear 12 more of.
Sample Tracks:
“Helen”
“Sentimental Value”
“Soup d Jour”
When not doing the solo thing, you can hear Bill Williams play around with One Horse Town and Little Pink. He’s at willbilliams.com and on MySpace and you can find “Handful” at CDBAby, Amazon and iTunes.
Artist Discoveries showcase bands and musicians that I was not aware of prior to the past year.
Giveaway Promotion*
As a means of sharing the music of Bill Williams more closely with you, I’m giving my promo copy of “Handful” away to one lucky winner selected randomly. To win, simply leave a comment and tell us your favorite DC-area artist or band of all time. Contest ends Thursday, 11/15/07 at midnight EST.
*By participating in this contest you agree to allow Twangville to post your name and city on our web site. We will never use your info for any other reason.
November 11th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
My favorite DC artist, band, songwriter revolves around Gene Ryder. Besides a major label record in the 80’s (not promoted), he’s had virtually no recordings since but continues to write the most incredibly songs from acoustic rootsy stuff to country-ish to roots rock.
November 13th, 2007 at 11:58 am
david kitchen
November 13th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
The posthumous Eva Cassidy, here. I generally prefer the americana end of folk/roots, but Eva’s soulful live work makes me wish she had made it out alive.
November 19th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Congratulations to Pat Fitzgerald of Fairbanks, AK for winning the Bill Williams “Handful” CD in our giveaway promotion. Thanks to all who participated!
December 6th, 2007 at 1:17 am
To Pat Fitzgerald: Pat do you know where Gene Ryder is currently? I am a friend and co-writer. We lost touch after his album came out and I would appreciate any info that could help me re-connect with him. Thanks, barry@soundad.com