Freeman & Williams… that sounds like a new duet act, or maybe an ad agency, or legal firm.
But it’s actually a bluegrass/Americana trio with a new CD set to hit February 7 on Mountain Roads Recordings. The group consists of Johnny Williams on guitar, Jeanette Williams on bass, and Scott Freeman on mandolin and fiddle. All three share vocal chores in a sound that blends these talented musicians’ many years of experience, both as songwriters and performers.
Their self-titled debut contains 13 tracks encompassing the various styles of acoustic music that brought these three together: old-time, Gospel, ballads, classic country, swing, and straight ahead bluegrass.
I was able to reach Jeanette yesterday, and she shared a few words about this upcoming album, and about the many ways she and (husband) Johnny will be found on the circuit this year.
“Johnny and I will continue to perform in several different configurations, including Freeman & Williams, The Jeanette Williams Band, Johnny & Jeanette Williams, select dates with Grammy Award winning songwriter Louisa Branscomb, and separately as guests with other touring bands.
It’s great to be back working with Johnny. We share a mutual admiration and respect for each other’s talent, and it feels so natural and comfortable to share the stage again.
We both really enjoy working with Scott. He’s extremely talented, easy going, and fun to be around. It’s a perfect fit, and we’re excited about the upcoming release and touring season!”
Mountain Roads sent along a couple of audio samples. Here’s Johnny on the album’s first single, a song from Casey Byrd, Dixie Hall, Tom T. Hall, Jacob Long and Mitchell Freeman…
Always Looking Back: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/looking_back.mp3]
… Scott on one from Tim Mensey and Shawn Camp,
That Ain’t The Grandpa That I Know: [http://traffic.libsyn.com/thegrasscast/grandpa.mp3]
… and a video introduction to the group:
