I really like Beth Williams’ new record, “In This Old House.”  It has been my morning record for the last month.  Every day, I have opened my eyes to the sounds of “Now” wafting from the CD alarm clock next to my bed.  What an upbeat way to start the day! “Try & flow like a river, soar like a high flying bird, don’t be afraid – stand up and deliver.”  Okay, to be honest, I am not the type who generally stands up and delivers anything at the first ring of the alarm, so I nestle down a little deeper and listen lazily to the slightly twangy sound of Ms. Williams voice.  It’s a nice way to spend that extra few minutes before you absolutely have to get moving.

Every song on this record, her fourth CD on Willow Creek Records, has a story to tell. Ms. Williams excels at writing songs with meaning, from the bite of “This Farm” to the reassurance of “Ruby & John” to the challenge of “My God and I.”  Beth has a knack for saying a lot with just a few words, and you know exactly what she means.  As much as I enjoy her voice, the songs (she wrote all twelve on the new record) are the real joy of this record.

My favorite cut is “Big Bad Blues.” I really enjoyed the boogie woogie bounce of this tune; it is the most energetic song on the record.  “Somebody please set me free from the big bad blues,” Beth shouts.  Since I am curling up in that bed alone every morning, I can really identify with this song and its message.  “Great big river full of my tears, enough to keep me busy swimmin’ for years.”  Somebody hand me a crying towel.  “I used to have a lot of luck till she walked out the door, said the big bad blues they gonna get you for sure.”  This is the song that finally gets me up and around, hard to say put with this much energy in her delivery.  Great song.

Lloyd Maines shared production duties with Terri Hendrix, and contributed his instrumental talents on the record.  Their sure hands combined to make an excellent record.  Recorded in Austin , Texas , the sound is crisp and has many musical flourishes that add to my enjoyment.  I especially liked the accordion runs on several of the songs.  This is one of my favorite records of the moment, and I heartily recommend it.

Written by Don Landis, March 2002

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