Skiffle: Bop

Brooks Williams | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 10, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Signature Sounds
• ASIN: B00005ABIK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #374,050 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More instrumentals, less vocals, less satisfying, June 15, 2001

By 

Greg Grant (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skiffle: Bop (Audio CD)

Skiffle-bop was a little bit disappointing to me for a couple reasons. First of all, it's about half instrumentals, and while I like Williams' instrumentals immensely, I was hoping for more vocal tracks, because I love his voice.

Second, his cover of the overlooked Sam Phillips/T-Bone Burnett track "Libera Me" was extremely disappointing. It sounds way too happy for the lyrical content. Plus, he says "me" as if he were referring to himself, as opposed to "may", which would be correct for the Latin phrase. Maybe I'm picking too much.

This is his first album with vocals where the instrumentals have been much more memorable than the vocal tunes. "Weary of the Moon" is a real gem, but besides the above-mentioned "Libera Me", it's the only vocal track that makes an impression. I'll play it, but not as much as "Seven Sisters","Knife Edge", or "Hundred Year Shadow."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally - a recording that does him justice!, October 10, 2001

By 

S. Brozovich "masai marmot" (Auburn, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skiffle: Bop (Audio CD)

There are three components that make Brooks Williams stand out in the crowd of singer-songwriters: his voice, his amazing guitar technique, and his song writing. While some of his other recordings are perhaps a better display of the latter (Seven Sisters, Knife Edge), the first two have never been captured all that well. This time around the mix is perfect. The guitar is crisp, clean and full. The vocals are up close and intimate. Throw in a smattering of background vocals and very tasteful hand percussion and you have the closest thing to seeing him live.

Though Seven Sisters is a stronger album songwise, Skiffle Bob has its gems. Brooks switches styles effortlessly, from the shifting colors of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays' "Travels", to the soft salsa groove of "Mountain" and the Django Reinhardt inspired "Zoe." "Weary of the Moon" is one of the best cuts on the album - it's a great showcase of the three things that make Brooks great - his voice, his guitar, and his gift for writing really good music.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Profound Inspirational and Feet Tapping, Beautiful Music, June 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Skiffle: Bop (Audio CD)

Never in my life have I heard a better guitarist. Brooks Williams is the master music with a million different styles pulled into one awesome sound. His lyrics will blow you away with their beauty and profound inspiration. I listen to this music for comfort and creativity. It is never too much of one style. Skiffle-Bop is one of the best Williams' best CDs. It has a wonderful balence of instrumental and lyrical songs. This CD will never bore you! It will keep your feet tapping, your mouth humming, your lips smiling and your mind buzzing. If you have not heard Brooks Williams you must listen to him sometime in your life!