Customer Reviews

Tapping the Wheel

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful album in every way. Jane's songwriting, complex arrangements, and strong/fragile voice are just a delight. A little reminiscent of Sarah McLaughlin and Susan Ashton, but also unique. "Come on Spring" has been part of my solo piano set for months.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Jane on a few occasions; she is a close friend of my sister's, and my younger brother designed her website (which is now gone). I gather from my sister that Jane's second album has been held up by her record company's financial troubles or something to that effect. She has NOT retired or disappeared from the scene, just be patient.

If I were the benevolent reigning King of Pop/Folk Music Culture, I would graciously decree that the music of Jane Kelly Williams be given to all as a sign of good faith and good taste! Her incredible singing and songwriting (not to mention wonderful production by Ben Wisch ... whose credits include Marc Cohn, David Wilcox, Jonatha Brooke, Kathy Mattea) are wholly her own. Each song bears a facet of vulnerability, honesty and truthfulness. The kind of songs that run against the grain of a me-first, ticked off, aren't we all just gangstaz kind of mentality. Jane sings passionately and often quietly ... and therein is a power that all the yelling in the world could not compete with. This is a meal to be savored. The same things I enjoy about Kate Rusby (a recent find for me) are the things I value here ... kindness, commonality, lack of pretense, an eye for detail (both internal and external). I've given countless of these CDs away. The bad news is that those of us who cherish this CD are in the minority ... the good news is that you can join this minority at bargain, used-copy prices! Jane has already recorded a follow-up to this CD, but it remains in music-business-purgatory. But when it comes out, buy it too (I've heard most of the recordings)! 'Til then, discover this gem and keep an eye out for what great music may come next! You can thank me later! (http://www.songwriters-circle.com/bios/jkw.htm)

I first encountered Jane Kelly on cassette. I couldn't stop playing the tape-it wore out! I then purchased 2 copies of the CD; 1 for the car and the other for home. My two kids (one who's into Rap and the other who's into Alternative Rock) LOVED it too - which was highly unusual - that we all love the same music!) even memorized the clever and creative lyrics! Just a fun, uplifting, joyous celebration of life. The band members are superb. Where the heck did Jane Kelly go?? Anybody know what's up with her career?? This couldn't be it - could it??? Buy this one if you're into treating your heart to some loving sounds.

I listened to TAPPING THE WHEEL, THIS WEEK, 2/22/02. It is beautiful. Needed in this day and age.
AT MONTREAT COLLEGE, where she attended,she will perform a concert, on Tuesday Feb. 25th. Her song, "Show me how to Catch a Fish," is featured in the movie, "Picture Perfect."
One of New York's finest Bassists, Dave Richards, backs her.

I was fortunate enough to see Jane Kelly Williams open the show at a Grey Eye Glances concert at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia. Between sets, Jane's drummer sat next to me in the small venue and I told him, "You guys have a nice sound." And that's certainly the case. "Tapping the Wheel" is a delightful album all the way through, from the optimistic "Horizons" to the weary and wistful "Carry Him." Jane's lilting voice and down-to-earth lyrics set up an interesting counterbalance to one another. Take a listen, and you'll find yourself "tapping the wheel," too.

Forget the review you've read. If you read this, acoustic guitar, conerstone, or any other reviews you'll find that everyone loved it for the same reason others disliked it. Her lyrics are somewhat uneventful, but so is the everyday life that she is singing about. She doesn't claim anything else. Everyone can see the beauty and excitement in the exceptional, but it takes a true artist to see it in the everyday...

This album is worth the price of admission.

I was lucky enough to discover this album many long years ago and it's still one of my favorite albums to this day. I would go so far as to rank it alongside Blue by Joni Mitchell as one of the best albums ever recorded by a female vocalist. Since I happen to prefer female vocalists that means I think it's one of the best albums ever recorded. Obviously more than a few people won't agree with this but if you love great music you owe it to yourself to listen to this. There's not a dud on the entire CD. Please don't miss this one. If only more people had heard me say this way back when, she might have made a second CD. Unfortunately for the music world, this is all there is. Cherish it.

You can still find this amazing gem on the net if you google jane's name, and she does have a newer one out, too.

It's funny that one of the reviewers here, Bob Bennett, is a songwriter I'd actually compare Jane with. (If you've ever heard "Matters of the Heart"... my my, what a masterpiece). This is a great collection of songs, personal, honest, wonderfully melodic and heart-wrenching at times. The musicianship is great. Just find a copy and buy it.

I grew up with Jane Williams and she always was very talented but I had no idea how talented until I bought her CD. She has a beautiful voice and her songs have such meaning. The last song about her brother is a beautiful tribute to him so get the kleenex when you hear it.

This is a CD I have had for almost two years, and I have yet to take it out of my CD player. It seeps into your mind slowly, and lingers . . . I have yet to tire of it.