This is the first Brooks Williams album I have encountered, but after hearing many good things about his music, I can now see what all the fuss is about. Williams has great ability with the guitar, and great intuition about where to place notes and accents. The title of the album itself, Skiffle-Bop, describes the overall sound of the album: a blend of country, blues and swing (skiffle) and an early style of jazz (bebop).

This is a great album for a hot, lazy summer afternoon in the backyard (the album cover is perfect, showing two dogs passed out on the driveway). Overall, the songs are mellow with acoustic guitar spicing them up, and the first track, "Love Came Down" is a catchy kick-off to the album. Williams is very dexterous with the guitar, as he makes it all sound relaxed and easy (but just you try to get the tone and timing that he does). "Ring Bell" is a great example of this, with some snazzy percussion to boot. But for pure acoustic enjoyment, "Travels" is a laid-back solo-guitar piece, showcasing William's talent quite nicely.

"Restless" starts off slow, but picks up a little ways through, and I find it much better once it gets going. Songs such as this one, as well as "Author," have a nostalgic feel to them reminiscent of the great storyteller singers like Don McLean and Harry Chapin (actually much of the album has that feel to it). "Mountain" seems to have a Latin flair to it. Following that, "Zoe" is a fun, upbeat song with plucking galore. "Libera Me" is a pleasant tune, and one that keeps you humming along (even after the song is over).

Williams is good with the guitar, there's no doubt about that. Though I personally wouldn't call the album amazing, I don't really have any bad things to say about it either. Overall, it's an easy-going, mellow album that doesn't seem to want to impress you so much as to just let you sit back and calmly enjoy the tunes.

[ visit Brooks Williams online ]