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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mountain Roads Recordings
Mountain Roads Recordings releases Last Day Of Galax
by Johnny Williams
March 6, 2009
Mountain Roads Recordings of Bristol, Tennessee announced today the
release of 'Last Day Of Galax' by Johnny Williams.
Greg Cahill in the liner notes for this project writes "Last Day Of
Galax' is the perfect title song for this recording. The lyrics elicit the wide
range of feelings often experienced by those who attend traditional music
festivals, from the strong sense of community that develops amongst those who
participate in informal music sessions to the tinge of sadness that permeates
the air at the end of the festival as everyone prepares to return to 'the real
world'. The instrumental fiddle tune closing of the song pays respectful homage
to the Galax Fiddlers Convention that is so renowned for round-the-clock
campsite sessions.
After several listenings to this
recording the one recurring observation I had is that Johnny Williams is 'the
real deal'. The songs he writes all tell a story, stories about lost love, new
love, the perils of the Civil War, a gospel song, a somewhat comical song about
country living, a song about old ways of living and so on. His voice can sound
like the most traditional bluegrass singer or have the cry of the most respected
old time country singer, and his strong rhythm guitar playing is the glue that
holds the performance of the excellent musicians on this recording together.
The variety of the material
holds one's interest from the beginning to the end of the recording. It is quite
a musical accomplishment to perform songs by Greg Allman and Hank Williams
equally as well as bluegrass songs by Randall Hylton, original compositions and
a very traditional old-timey instrumental, complete with wonderful fiddle and
clawhammer banjo playing. It is also quite an honor to co-author songs with the
likes of John Thompson and the venerable songwriting team of Tom T. and Dixie
Hall.
The flow of this recording is
reminiscent of the actual stage shows at the Galax festival, with the various
styles and sounds, new and old, that all somehow manage to maintain the pure
sound of great traditional music. The players that accompany Johnny here capture
the true feel of every song and the harmony singing by Amber and Jeanette is
positively superb. The final selection 'Let That Someone Be You' showcases
Johnny the songwriter, singer and guitar player in a solo performance that to me
confirms my recurring observation that Johnny Williams is 'the real deal'.
Johnny is an award winning singer, songwriter and an excellent
guitarist. He has been named Virginia State Champion Male Vocalist, PICABO Male
Vocalist (twice), and PICABO Songwriter of the year; he also was the bluegrass
division winner of the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest
in 1998 and 1999. He penned four songs for “Bell Witch, The Movie” soundtrack,
three of which were recorded by The Jeanette Williams Band; Rambler’s Choice,
New Classic Grass, Larry Stephenson, Special Consensus and Mark Newton have also
recorded his songs.
Johnny is active in all phases of bluegrass music; he was president
of the Dan River Bluegrass Association for five years and produces many local
music events. Johnny is a regular member of Big Country Bluegrass and supports
and plays with his wife, Jeanette Williams whenever he can.
Mountain Roads Recordings was formed by Karl and Gail Cooler in
order to focus on the unique sounds that originate in the mountains and Johnny
is a natural fit for our company. Johnny is one of the finest bluegrass
musicians and songwriters and Mountain Roads Recordings is excited to be
associated with him.
You may contact Johnny at:
www.jeanettewilliams.com/grasstankmusic.html
or e-mail him at:
grasstank@mindspring.com
for More Information Contact:
Mountain Roads Recordings
3192 Hwy 421, Bristol TN 37620
Tel: 423-878-4269
Internet:
www.mountainroadsrecordings.com
e-mail:
admin@mountainroadsrecordings.com
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