I’m not sure there’s a more enduring figure in bluegrass music that Paul Williams.
In fact he’s almost a walking history of the genre. Williams has been in the thick of it since the 1950s, working with groups like The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers before doing time with pioneers like Jimmy Martin. Though he continued to write and sing in church, Paul took a break from actively touring from 1963 until 1995, but his been going strong ever since.
Unlike many artists of his age and stature, though, Paul isn’t out doing nostalgia shows – he’s recording new music on a regular basis and touring widely with his group, The Victory Trio.
Next month, his 12th project for Rebel Records, Going To Live In The Old Time Way, is set for release including three new Williams original Gospel songs. Paul is on mandolin with Dan Moneyhun and Adam Winstead on guitar, Jerry Keys on banjo and Susie Keys on bass. Hunter Berry guests on fiddle. The vocals are centered around Williams’ crystal clear tenor, with harmonies shared among the members of the band.
Rebel sent along a few tracks from the album to share with our readers. First is a new song of Paul’s…
He’ll Calm the Troubled Waters: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/troubled_waters.mp3]
…the title track from Terry Breedlove…
Going to Stay in the Old Time Way: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/old_time_way.mp3]
…and an a cappella number from C.P. Short:
Help Me Lord: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/help_me_lord.mp3]
Look for Going to Stay in the Old Time Way on July 24.
