Paul Williams
got his start playing mandolin with the
Lonesome Pine Fiddlers
and
Jimmy Martin
over 50 years ago. After retiring from professional music in 1963, he continued playing
gospel
music regionally. In the late 1990s, however,
Williams
' career got a jump start when he released a series of well-received albums.
Living on the Hallelujah Side
follows the same footpath, featuring a combination of traditional
singing and
bluegrass
picking.
is joined by rhythm guitarist
Jeff Orr
, banjoist
Jerry Keys
, guitarist
Ned Cutshaw
, fiddler
Keith Williams
, and bassist
Susie Keys
for a handful of old and new
songs. The straightforward arrangements offer just the right support for the material and help keep the spotlight on the vocals.
,
Orr
, and
Cutshaw
specialize in two- and three-part harmony, filling songs like
"Whispering Hope"
and the title cut with a "joyful noise." While
and company never deviate from the righteous path, they do mix other subjects with their
vision.
"I'll Owe It to My Mother and Dad"
pays homage to good parenting and traditional values, while
"Liberty and Justice for All"
expresses a deeply felt patriotism. For old fans,
will be another fine entry in
' catalog. For anyone else interested in
music but unfamiliar with
, it will be a good place to start. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.