CD Review
Jody Williams
You Left Me In The Dark
(Evidence Music ECD 26130-2)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: October 2004
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Is there anyone out there who still does not know who Jody Williams is? Irrespective of this, the chances are that you may own some of his work. Williams played on Wolf's "Forty Four" and "Evil," on Billy Boy Arnold's "I Wish You WOuld," and Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love" amongst others. He was a much sought after session musician in the late 1950's and early 1960's, but became disenchanted with the music business after having his material "appropriated" by others, without receiving any credit. The guitar was put in its case and left under the bed for the next 35 years whilst Williams went off to work as a photocopier sales and repair man. Indeed, many thought he had died, but his comeback album "Return of a Legend" showed that he was back, and in fine form, even picking up a Handy for comeback artist of the year. Williams is now seeking to further capitalise on his rejuvenation with the release of "You Left Me In The Dark."
The title track opens the album, and proves that Jody Williams is most definitely back and here to stay. The first of 13 originals, it shows that Williams is a highly talented guitarist and song writer and has a wonderful rich deep voice to back it all up. Williams is happy to share the spotlight too, and is joined by a couple of friends on a couple of tracks each. Robert Junior Lockwood steps up on the jaunty "I Can't Get You Off My Mind," and later returns for the steady rolling groove of "I'll Be There." The other friend is Lonnie Brooks, who helped get Williams back on stage, who shows up for the stomper "She's Got A Spell On Me," and the slow burner "Someone Else." Williams never gets upstaged, however, always managing to find the perfect combination of notes for each of the songs. This is a guitarist who really knows his craft.
You want horns? You got it! A three piece horn section (baritone and tenor sax, and trumpet) come along for the ride on four tracks, adding an extra dimension to the band's sound. All four tracks are excellent, with "Good Things" and the instrumental "Hideout" both being particularly worthy of special mention. It is not just the horns who do a great job, everyone plays their part, and praise must also go to producer Dick Shurman for helping to bring the best out of all concerned.
The only cover is a rendition of Sam Cooke's "Nothing Can Change This Love." Whilst Williams makes a good fist of it, it does not quite fit with the rest of the album, which mostly comprises a blend of Chicago and Texas blues. It is followed by the closer, "I've Been Watching You" which brings the curtain down in style, and leaves you eagerly anticipating Williams' next move.
"You Left Me In The Dark" is a very fine album. It makes you wonder what might have been if Williams had not quit the blues scene for so long. Thanks to his wife (who persuaded him to take the guitar out from under the bed) and his friends who helped reintroduce him to live performing, the blues world is once more a richer place. "You Left Me In The Dark" is a class CD from a class act.
www.evidencemusic.com
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