On his 10th album, acoustic guitar virtuoso Brooks Williams stretches beyond his folk-blues background to explore fresh, complex rhythms while adhering to a less-is-more production aesthetic. Handling steel- and nylon-s... more »tring guitars, as well as a bit of slide and electric, Williams is joined only by momentary bass, light harmony vocals, and hand percussion. In these simple settings, the rhythmic subtleties shine: opener "Love Came Down" has the drive of Cuban son, "Ring Bell" suggests bubbly South African township jive, and "Restless" has a strong, old-fashioned soul groove. There's no skiffle and not much bop here--though Williams knows how to improvise with jazzy phrasings--and there's no song as riveting as his early narrative "Mercy, Illinois," but Williams again proves that, in the hands of a master, the acoustic guitar has more than a few surprises up its strings. --Roy Kasten« less
On his 10th album, acoustic guitar virtuoso Brooks Williams stretches beyond his folk-blues background to explore fresh, complex rhythms while adhering to a less-is-more production aesthetic. Handling steel- and nylon-string guitars, as well as a bit of slide and electric, Williams is joined only by momentary bass, light harmony vocals, and hand percussion. In these simple settings, the rhythmic subtleties shine: opener "Love Came Down" has the drive of Cuban son, "Ring Bell" suggests bubbly South African township jive, and "Restless" has a strong, old-fashioned soul groove. There's no skiffle and not much bop here--though Williams knows how to improvise with jazzy phrasings--and there's no song as riveting as his early narrative "Mercy, Illinois," but Williams again proves that, in the hands of a master, the acoustic guitar has more than a few surprises up its strings. --Roy Kasten
Profound Inspirational and Feet Tapping, Beautiful Music
S. Brozovich | 06/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Never in my life have I heard a better guitarist. Brooks Williams is the master music with a million different styles pulled into one awesome sound. His lyrics will blow you away with their beauty and profound inspiration. I listen to this music for comfort and creativity. It is never too much of one style. Skiffle-Bop is one of the best Williams' best CDs. It has a wonderful balence of instrumental and lyrical songs. This CD will never bore you! It will keep your feet tapping, your mouth humming, your lips smiling and your mind buzzing. If you have not heard Brooks Williams you must listen to him sometime in your life!"
Finally - a recording that does him justice!
S. Brozovich | Auburn, WA United States | 10/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There are three components that make Brooks Williams stand out in the crowd of singer-songwriters: his voice, his amazing guitar technique, and his song writing. While some of his other recordings are perhaps a better display of the latter (Seven Sisters, Knife Edge), the first two have never been captured all that well. This time around the mix is perfect. The guitar is crisp, clean and full. The vocals are up close and intimate. Throw in a smattering of background vocals and very tasteful hand percussion and you have the closest thing to seeing him live.Though Seven Sisters is a stronger album songwise, Skiffle Bob has its gems. Brooks switches styles effortlessly, from the shifting colors of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays' "Travels", to the soft salsa groove of "Mountain" and the Django Reinhardt inspired "Zoe." "Weary of the Moon" is one of the best cuts on the album - it's a great showcase of the three things that make Brooks great - his voice, his guitar, and his gift for writing really good music."