Search - Blind Connie Williams :: Philadelphia Street Singer

A perfect example of less is more...

Derek Taylor | Madison, WI | 03/19/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If not for Pete Welding & his Testament label there'd be no recorded evidence of Blind Connie & what a shame that would be...fortunately Pete had the fortitude to drop a tape recorder in front of Williams & preserve the performances on this disc for posterity. Connie is firmly rooted in the string tradition of his compatriot Blind Gary Davis with whom he worked the streets of Harlem for spare change during the 30's . But for my money, Connie takes Gary's innovations & brings them to another level...the instrumentation on these recordings from 61' is sparse alternating between skittering slide guitar & battered button accordion & Connie's command of both (especially the latter) is at times suspect; but his vocal improvisations on the traditional folk songs & spirtituals are truly inspired. He moves from crooning balladry to growling high pitched barks sometimes within the space of the same tune. His expert command of the material is proof of the mettle he gained through a hard life as a minstrel on the streets of Philly."

A broad set of musical skills well displayed.

M. J. Smith | Seattle, WA USA | 08/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I disgree with the review of Derek Taylor only in that I think Rev. Gary Davis is the best blues 12 string guitarist ever. What is most impressive about Blind Connie Williams is the range of his vocals - from a soaring lyrical voice to a deep-blues gravelly growl to a "typical" black voice. I use the term "black" with the intent to convey the quarter-tone and glides. Add to this remarkable voice a guitar or an accordian and you get this remarkable album. Yes, I said accordian - this is the only accordian blues/folk/spiritual album I've heard where the accordian was exactly the right instrument for the song. His rendition of Will the Circle Be Unbroken makes the "old chestnut" come alive ... no bad tracks. If you have any interest in street blues, spirituals, folk, give this CD a listen."