 | Swingin´ The BluesClaude "Fiddler" WilliamsBullseye Blues & Jazz CD BB 9627
Rounder Records Corp.
A review written for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange |
| Swingin´ The BluesClaude "Fiddler" WilliamsBullseye Blues & Jazz CD BB 9627
Rounder Records Corp.
A review written for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange |
It´s funny how at the beginning of the new century there are musicians being "rediscovered" who actively played most of the last century and still have something to show us. Better yet, they have something for us to listen to. Claude "The Fiddler" Williams is one of these.
These ten pieces, of course, all feature Claude on violin. It´s amazing what sounds he gets out of that instrument and what moods he creates as the violin "talks" with the piano, guitar, bass, drums and alto saxophone. Blind New Orleans pianist Henry Butler just tickles the notes out of his instrument, while Joe Cohn´s fingers fly across the strings of his guitar. The solid rhythm section of Keter Betts on acoustic bass and Jimmy Lovelace on drums has room for solos where their abilities can be displayed. Adding spice on a few cuts is the very smooth saxophone of special guest Bobby Watson. Claude Williams sings in one of the songs with a raspy old man´s voice that fits perfectly the accompaniment. It´s the give and take between these fine musicians that makes it a pleasure to listen to, even if one is not a jazz lover per se (which I am not). I was familiar only with two of the ten pieces, but the eight others quickly became familiar.
Though Swingin´ The Blues might not become a "hit-record" in the vein of the Buena Vista guys, it does evidence some of the same joy and high musical quality with the playing and feeling that of a relaxed happy hour band. So there you have it, 60+ minutes of acoustic pleasure in a very fun album!
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| Claude "Fiddler" Williams - violin, vocals Henry Butler - piano Joe Cohn - guitar Keter Betts - acoustic bass, music direction Jimmy Lovelace - drums
Special guest: |
Produced by Russ Dantzler & Scott Billington
Recorded direct to 2-track analogue tape, NYC
Mastered to 24 bit digital, Southborough, MA
Edited by: Mark O'Donnell
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