Search - Paul Williams & Victory Trio :: Where No One Stands Alone

... and 1/2 .... An exceptionally fine bluegrass gospel unit

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 05/22/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 38:03 -- There are few artists producing bluegrass gospel today as prolific as Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, a 5-piece group that recently was named SPBGMA's Traditional Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year. In this set, they primarily offer trios that praise the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Doug Gibson's "Could That Be Jesus?" is their one song arranged with just two voices (lead and tenor), and that cut is followed with the album's only vocal quartet ("Thank You Jesus") that is passionately sung a cappella.



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 picking his mandolin, singing high leads and tenors, and recording since his reappearance on the music scene in 1996. "Where No One Stands Alone," his dozenth album during the last decade is actually his seventh release on the Rebel label. While the title cut comes from Mosie Lister, five compositions were written or co-written by Paul. Other songs come from the pens of Ken Young, Joe Isaacs, Linda King, Ernie Groves, and Albert E. Brumley.



Over the last decade, Paul has worked and recorded with many fine musicians such as Jerry Keys, Ned Cutshaw, Jeff Orr, Susie Keys, Keith Williams, David Johnson, Billy Proffitt, Mike Grove, and Karen Benton. With each subsequent album, Paul has introduced us to new and pure gospel, as well as to consummate musicians who provide impressive vocalizing and instrumental blending to the band's continually evolving sound. His current lineup includes Kelly McCord (guitar), Rodney Worley (guitar, fiddle), Kevin Bowen (banjo), and Matt Wallace (bass). The only minor shortcoming on this album is that the band had the opportunity to track in additional fiddle, and that would have provided for the fully traditional bluegrass sound. Arrangements that emphasize vocals, flatpicked guitar, and mandolin are certainly pleasant, but the added dimension of fiddle (or some resophonic guitar) would have infused some songs (e.g. "I Know My Lord Is Going To Lead Me Out") with stunning and exhilarating excitement. Even in those two songs when it's used (Could That Be Jesus?, Where No One Stands Alone), Worley's fiddle is relegated to a very minor, understated role.



The Rebel Records label has been very supportive of Paul and his traditional style music that he's known for. Continuing to spread his ministry through music, Paul Williams hopes that everyone hearing this CD is blessed by its contents. His band's reputation continues to grow as an exceptionally fine bluegrass gospel unit that emphasizes both original and lesser-recorded material. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

"

Great harmony singing

Larry Johnson | Europe | 09/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Williams should not be able to sing like he does

at his age. But indeed he does and the harmony singing

is breath taking. The sound reminds me of the great

Mr Doyle Lawson, never ever a tone that is'nt shaped

and solid."

Where No One Stands Alone

B. K. Davis | Old Hickory, TN | 08/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think bluegrass gospel is the greatest! If you think so too, you will not be disappointed with this great group. My favorite on this album is Dusty Pair Of Sandals Heading South. Highly recommend this album!"