Customer Reviews

Skiffle: Bop

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

 

 

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."

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.

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!

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 thier 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!

Hmmm... what to say. Brooks 1. plays the guitar fantastically and 2. has a wonderful voice. His gigs are also quite spectacular

I saw Brooks Williams in nearby Hightstown, NJ. He packed a small venue, much too small for his considerable talents. He is supposed to be a folk artist, but he plays a lot of other kinds of riffs. The songs have lyrics worth listening to. Some written by him, some by others. I recommend this album, and that you see him in concert.