One of the Chicago Tribune’s Top 10 Bluegrass CDs of 2001. They say “Look no further…for a lesson on precisely what makes brother duets so unique. The two men—Tony and Gary—sing as one while maintaining their own individual sounds, and make it seem easy. Brother Tony also is among the finest mandolinists alive, and the instrumental passages, featuring an excellent band assembled for this session, dazzle without ever lapsing into flashiness.” A bluegrass-loving friend of mine hooked me up with this North Carolina mandolin legend. The moment the brothers leaned into the mike, I understood why they’ve been winning national awards for 40 years. Their all-star banjo-fiddle-guitar-bass band includes multiple Grammy winners, two world bluegrass champions and a Bluegrass Hall of Honor member. Because this band’s spent decades honing a perfect acoustic blend without electronics, the sound came out so good even I am knocked out. (#08952)

Tony Williamson, mandolin and vocals
Gary Williamson, guitar and vocals
Larry Perkins, banjo and guitar
Don Wright, banjo and guitar
Rex McGee, fiddle and lead guitar
Tom Gray, bass

TRACK LISTING:

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REVIEWS:

Chicago Tribune:
reviewed by David Royko

Look no further than the Williams Brothers for a lesson on precisely what makes brother duets so unique. The two men--Tony and Gary--sing as one while maintaining their own individual sounds, and make it seem easy. Brother Tony also is among the finest mandolinists alive, and the instrumental passages, featuring an excellent band assembled for this session, dazzle without ever lapsing into flashiness. This is great music hiding behind genuine humility.

December 9, 2001

Raleigh News & Observer :
reviewed by Jack Bernhardt

Often we rely upon the national media to define our standards when excellence can be found in our own back yard. Siler City's Tony Williamson is a world-renowned mandolin player, bluegrass musician and band leader whose admirers include Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson and Sam Bush. The 15-track CD consists of original and traditional tunes and songs constructed around the Southern dialectic of loss and redemption. Most of the original songs were written by Tony Williamson.

The measure of an artist is reflected in the musicians he associates with, and Williamson has assembled some of the best. Gary handles most of the lead vocals and rhythm guitar. John Hartford Stringband alumnus Larry Perkins (a Kannapolis native) picks banjo and guitar. Don Wright (banjo and guitar), Rex McGee (fiddle and lead guitar) and former Seldom Scene bassist Tom Gray round out the vereran band.

The CD was recorded in a small private studio in Maryland, using two-track analog tape with the musicians gathered in a simi-circle around an arrangement of microphones. The technology and recording technique result in a warmth and spontaneity seldom achieved in more high-tech studios.

The live sound is just one of the special qualities of this alluring CD, which whets the appetite for hearing Tony Williamson and company live on the concert trail.

Bluegrass Breakdown:
reviewed by Dave Higgs

Now you've up and done it -- a killer project of absolutely wonderful old-timers and old-timey flavored tunes done just the way they ought to be done -- with soaring harmonies as only brothers can sing and just the right instrumentation. This music really harkens back to those halcyon days of yore when life was simpler and the music was infused with heartfelt sentimentality and passion. I thoroughly enjoyed every cut -- if I had to pick favorites I'd probably go with the title track, "White Angels In the Clouds," "If I Could Melt A Mountain Top," "Boatman," "City On the Hill" and "Angeline the Baker." This is a fabulous recording that should please old timey enthusiasts, ultra-traditional bluegrassers and ... well .... everybody! Congratulations!