THROWBACK THURSDAY: CD REVIEWS: HOMECOMING GUITAR & CHRISTMAS GUITAR
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
THROWBACK THURSDAY : SPOTLIGHT ON KEVIN WILLIAMS
CD REVIEWS:
HOMECOMING GUITAR
RELEASE DATE: 1998
SONG LIST:
I Went To A Church Homecoming
Are You Washed In The Blood
He Touched Me
Precious Memories
Where Could I Go
Victory In Jesus
Mansion Over The Hilltop
The Unclouded Day
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Through It All
Suppertime
I’ll Fly Away
CHRISTMAS GUITAR
RELEASE DATE: 2011
LABEL: KEVIN WILLIAMS PRODUCTIONS
SONG LIST:
Joy To The World
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
White Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear?
I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Sleigh Ride
The First Noel
The Christmas Song
Let It Snow
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
O Holy Night
REVIEW COPIES PROVIDED
THOUGHTS:
Kevin Williams has served as the guitarist and resident funny man (with and without Mark Lowry) for the Gaither Homecoming/Gaither Vocal Band for over 20 years. Williams adds not only his humor, but his impressive musicianship to the Grammy Nominated group. It is this impressive skill that serves as the anchor for the voices of the quintet as well as the rest of the groups that tour with them. In my opinion, Kevin is a vital part of this group and his unique style is a major asset.
Homecoming Guitar, which was originally released in 1998, features Williams playing alongside several of Gospel music’s most beloved musicians. This forgotten treasure of an album begins with the light hearted “I Went To A Church Homecoming” which features Kevin reciting a verse of the song in addition to playing. Fiddle player Wanda Vick joins Williams on the traditional styled “Are You Washed In The Blood,” which gets the listener clapping to the beat. Next, the longtime pianist for the Gaither Homecomings, Anthony Burger joins Williams for a beautiful duet on the classic Gaither song “He Touched Me.” Williams continues with the sweet spirit filled songs with “Precious Memories” which is also showcases his incredible skill. Next, Bob Cain plays the trumpet alongside Williams’ electric guitar on a groovy version of “Where Could I Go.” The great pianist and organist Geron Davis is also featured on this classic track. William’s easy going country flavored version of “Victory In Jesus” is refreshing, complete with harmonica an fiddle. The incomparable Steve “Rabbit” Easter adds his sweet steel guitar to a simple yet beautiful arrangement of “Mansion Over The Hilltop.” This is another highlight of the album for me personally. Williams and Homecoming friend Buddy Greene team up for a rousing rendition of Gospel standard “The Unclouded Day.” Greene’s incredible harmonica playing never ceases to amaze me. Next, the beloved pianist for the Cathedral Quartet Roger Bennett lends his signature style to “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Another standout track is his version of the tender ballad “Through It All,” which reminds us that God is always with us. He is faithful through all our trials and the good times too. Williams also puts his spin on one of my favorite George Younce features “Suppertime.” Williams truly captures the magic of the song so much so that you can hear Younce’s warm bass voice singing this beloved song. This treasured collection closes with the upbeat “I’ll Fly Away” featuring the talents of Terry McMillan on the harmonica.
In my opinion, this is a fantastic album featuring classic songs and musicians. If you do not have this CD in your collection, be sure to get it at a Gaither Concert or at www.kevinwilliamsmusic.com 3.5 out of 5 stars
In 2011, Williams released an album of classic Christmas songs entitled Christmas Guitar. This incredible collection includes “Silent Night,” “Let It Snow,” “White Christmas,” and many more. If you like easy listening and Christmas music, then this is the album for you. Williams plays each song with such skill adding emotion and a tenderness to with each note. His finger picking is some of the best I’ve heard in Gospel Music. While the CD is instrumental, there are background vocals occasionally on several tracks. There is also orchestration and piano accompaniment on the CD as well. However, the star of this record is Williams’s God given musical talent. The standout track for me on this record is “O Holy Night” which truly captures the spirit of Christmas for me personally as well as showcasing the amazing guitar playing of Kevin Williams.
This is must buy for fans of easy listening and Christmas music. Williams plays these incredible holiday standards with great heart and skill. This album in my opinion, solidifies his place as one of the best musicians in Southern Gospel Music.
4 out of 5 stars For more information, visit www.kevinwilliamsmusic.com