Search - Paul Williams & The Victory Trio :: When the Morning Comes

A blessing to each and every person who hears it

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 11/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 43:53 -- Paul Williams and "The Victory Trio" are actually a full 5-piece band that offers solos, duos, trios and quartets inspired by the "Holy Spirit of God." Originally from Virginia but now living in Tennessee, former Lonesome Pine Fiddler (and Sunny Mountain Boy) Paul Williams left bluegrass music in 1963 to pursue a career with the U.S. Postal Service. Now retired, Williams is back performing and recording since his reappearance on the music scene in 1996.



"When the Morning Comes" must be his tenth or eleventh album during the last decade, and this album includes some new personnel in the band. Gone are band associates Jerry Keys, Ned Cutshaw, Jeff Orr, Susie Keys, and Keith Williams. This new and impressive project features Paul's mandolin playing, with all five other bluegrass instruments impressively played by one stellar artist, David Johnson. My hat is off to him. Besides Paul's lead and tenor vocals, three other singers (Billy Proffitt, Mike Grove, Karen Benton) are impressive and nicely blended. Proffitt sings lead on eight songs while Williams sings lead on six.



Dave Freeman and the Rebel label have been very supportive of Paul and his traditional style music that he's known for. He also continues to spread his ministry through music. Paul Williams hopes that this CD will be a blessing to each and every person who hears it. His reputation is one of fine bluegrass gospel that emphasizes a good selection of original and lesser-recorded material. The title cut, as well as four others, come from the traditional canon. He also draws material from Dixie and Tom T. Hall ("Do Something for Jesus Today"), Larry Whitehead ("I Could Sing About Heaven"), Squire Parsons ("I Call it Home"), "Clay Edwards ("I Know, I Know") Bud Harmon ("That Healing Fountain"), and Roscoe Reed ("When I Get Home"). I always enjoy hearing a devout singer of gospel do their own heartfelt original songs, and for that reason the ¾-time "He's Answered Each Prayer" is one of my favorites on this album. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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