Customer Reviews

Living on the Hallelujah Side

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Don't be confused by the five songs credited to "Paul Humphrey" (that's just Paul Williams' real name). Don't be confused that the "Victory Trio" is actually a quintet of Jerry Keys (banjo), Ned Cutshaw (guitar), Jeff Orr (rhythm guitar), Susie Keys (bass), and Keith Williams (fiddle). Originally from Virginia but now living in Tennessee, former Lonesome Pine Fiddler (and Sunny Mountain Boy) Paul Williams left bluegrass music in 1963 to pursue a career with the U.S. Postal Service. Now retired, Williams is back performing and recording to make up for lost time. With his Victory Trio since 1998, some impressive projects have been coming out from Paul on the Rebel Record label. Living On The Hallelujah Side is his ninth album since his reappearance in 1996. Paul continues to play his music in a traditional style that he's known for. He also continues to spread his ministry through music.

The band has developed a signature sound and strong reputation for fine bluegrass gospel that emphasizes a good selection of original and lesser-recorded material. This project also includes the song, "Liberty And Justice For All" with its messages of faith in God, pride of being American, and love of our Nation. The prolific Paul Williams and the Victory Trio are a first-class act, and they have another winner with Living On The Hallelujah Side. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

I hear Paul Williams music on Classic Heartland. His voice and the harmonies of the Victory Trio are exceptional. So much so that I had to track down the CD. They truly uphold the traditions of bluegrass and Appalachian gospel music. I try to hold those 5 star recommendations for rare occasions but it is tempting for these guys.

As for J6P's comments, please take them with a grain of salt. Joe is not "from Middle America" as he claims but a San Francisco DJ according to his web site. I'd bet the six pack he's thinking of has nothing to do with beer. But he does have an interest in "Hick Music" as he calls it on his site.

It's a free country. Joe can say what he wants. I would hope he could extend the same courtesy to the hicks he admires so. Standing up for God & Country is definitely a core value of traditional American music regardless how many of the Rainbow folks in Babylon by the Bay want to censor it. Contrary to Joe's whining IMHO the hate mainly is going the other direction now days.

I think this album is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is one of the best I have ever listened to!!

Paul Williams is one of the finest performers of bluegrass gospel alive, and this is another fine album by him and his band. I'd have to say, though, that this album has less to offer the secular bluegrass fan than other Williams efforts -- somehow the religious message seems more forceful and the music less of a balance than on his earlier albums. These guys are still a class act, with swell harmonies and sweet picking, but I think this disc may be more for true believers.

Speaking of which, I'm afraid have to take exception to Paul Humphrey's patriotic anthem, "Liberty And Justice For All," which posits that "strong faith in God" is one of the things our country was founded on, and that anyone who doesn't share William's faith is a traitor who should leave the country. Actually, my mom was an American historian, who specialized in the separation of Church and State, and it was freedom from religious persecution -- including freedom from State-sponsored religion -- that was a key part of the founding of the U.S. of A, not the other way around. Characterizing those who "won't uphold God's values" (whatever that means) as "freedom thieves" and "God haters" is corrosive, ill-reasoned, unfair, and deeply offensive. Yeah, sure, the song is clever and catchy, but it also destructive and divisive, and the exact opposite of the "love thy neighbor" message in the song's first verse. I like Williams's music and respect both his beliefs and his band, but I truly think he should be ashamed for recording such a mean-spirited and hate-filled tune. Oh, well. I guess we all make mistakes.