Search - Josh Williams :: Now That You're Gone

Josh is a shining star that is a bluegrass torchbearer!

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 11/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the "new generation" of young hot bluegrass pickers and smooth singers, Josh Williams, from Kentucky, formed his first band in 1990 at the age of ten. He then received national recognition as a young bluegrass prodigy when he appeared in the 1993 IBMA Awards Show as part of a "youth in bluegrass" band. He recorded his first album in 1991, played with The Young Acoustic All-Stars (1994-98), Hyperdrive (1998), and The Special Consensus (since 2000). His latest musical achievement, this solo debut album called "Now That You're Gone," should clearly establish Josh's name as a shining star that will carry bluegrass music's flame into the future. Besides having a singing voice ideally suited for contemporary bluegrass, multi-instrumentalist Josh also plays mandolin (as well as some guitar and banjo) on this stellar product. He also demonstrates his songwriting skills with the title cut, a sad tale of finally coming to the realization that a loved one has gone.This first-rate production includes some excellent accompaniment from session musicians Aubrey Haynie, Don Rigsby, Sammy Shelor, Chris Thile, J.D. Crowe, Jim Hurst, Missy Raines, David Parmley, Greg Cahill, Ron Stewart, Ray Craft, Chris Thile, Randy Kohrs, Carl Jackson, and Jim Hurst. This album also shines in its choice of material. Besides the one from Josh, some of the other songs were penned by outstanding songwriters Kim Fox, Pete Goble and Leroy Drumm, Tom T. and Dixie Hall, and Carl Jackson. Simply, the album offers fantastic bluegrass music, with a few surprises thrown in such as the western swingy "All of You," country-flavored ballad "Tennessee Blues," and Gospel number "There's Always a Light in the Church." The Goble/Drumm composition, "You Can Keep Your Nine Pound Hammer," is receiving excellent airplay around the country. The young, innovative, and talented Josh Williams has shown that he's a tremendous force to be reckoned with. Expect him to make a big impact on the bluegrass genre as he continues to surround himself with some of the best musicians around, choose excellent material to present, and create a personalized sound that has a broad appeal. Josh Williams is poised to become one of bluegrass music's young torchbearers. -- Joe Ross, freelance writer, Bluegrass Unlimited magazine"

This Kid's a Genius: A Bluegrass Tour de Force!!

Michael J. Kruse | Chicago | 07/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow. For bluegrass fans, and for anyone who enjoys good acoustic folk-country rooted playing and songwriting, this album has it all. It of course features hot picking and sweet singing by Kentucky whiz kid Josh Williams(not yet 21 when this album was recorded) and an all star stew of friends. What really puts this album over the top, though, is the breadth and maturity reflected in Williams's song selection. The songs he selects address a delicious breadth of subjects and reflect a deep respect, reverence, and love for his native Kentucky / Southern culture. The album includes tales of jail, war, and murder, gospel hymns, love lost and won, poverty, and even a song about old-time traveling medicine shows. Despite his considerable youth, Williams sings stories in the voice of older characters with beauty and conviction. There are fast hardgrass numbers, slower spirituals, swing tunes, beatiful ballads. The arrangements are crisp and the playing and singing of everyone who joins Williams (J.D. Crowe, Chris Thile of Nickel Creek, Jim Hurst, Special Consensus boss Greg Cahill, et. al.) are fired by the power of the young players vocal, mando, banjo, and guitar work. My only regeret is that he didn't do any of the fiddling on the album, which, having seen him live, I know he is capable of. Probably next time out... As Dan tyminski suggests in his liner notes: "I am eager to see what the future will hold for Josh and I believe his star is just beginning to shine.""