Glenn Williams
Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | INDIE
Music
Press
People like to speak of debut CDs as showing a “promising singer.” But Breathing Freely by Glenn Williams does more than that: it spotlights one who’s already arrived. He sings well with a distinctively friendly (and sometimes ironical) voice. He plays a panoply of instruments: guitar, ukulele, mandolin, bass, and percussion. And he writes. In fact, he wrote most of the songs on this CD and they are as good --and in one case, even better-- than the covers he plays.
These songs are notable cuts: “Back Home” is a lively opening number with a dynamic accompanying chorus. “I Remember” is also perky, with a sophisticated rhythmic sense and catchy instrumentation. “It’s True” is a clever tune with stunning guitar work by Andy Hollinger and some deftly engineered overdubbing. “The Other Side of Town” wears its Latin sound proudly, thanks partly to the talented Eliud Herrera on nylon guitar. Of course Williams sings with impressive intensity on all. “Because of You” is a pleasant ballad with a startling (uncredited) whistling solo at the end. Is it Williams? I loved his cover of “Shadow and Jimmy,” one of Elvis Costello’s most poignant songs. “Just Us” is a duet with Boston native Ramona Silver, an excellent choice because the two complement each other’s vocal ranges well. “Suzanne” (no, not that one!) is a totally involving number with a subtle country rock feel to it. I defy anyone to walk out of the room while it’s playing. “Freely Breathing” is primarily an instrumental with vocalise accompaniment, some of which borders on the downright eerie. And I’m very glad to hear Martin Mull’s “They Never Met,” one of Mull’s funniest songs (right below "Jesus Christ, Football Star"). It takes a witty man to pay tribute to another so witty.
If you’ve haven’t noticed a pattern in these descriptions, I’ll spell it out for you. A key facet of Williams’ talent is collaboration: finding the right people to accompany him, help arrange his work, (possibly) even give suggestions on the song writing itself. It’s a foolish performer who creates in a vacuum. The savvy one picks the right people to help produce and refine the work. This strategy ought to take Glenn Williams far in the coming years. You can sample some of Glenn’s tunes at his MySpace page.
--Peter Bates - Stylus CD Review
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Ive been playing and writing for what seems like forever. When I was a kid the thing to do was to be in a band. About 15 of us would play together in different combinations. As life went on wed play on each others projects or shows. Its turned into a real little community. Obviously some have
come and gone. But there are some of us still at it. Tim Casey and I have been in each others ears since 1979. Many bands and many songs. Tims the producer of my new up coming release Breathing Freely. I call it that because for a while I wasnt. I was going through some physical issues and had to cancel some shows. Thanks to the low budget gang they kept me thinking in the now.
I Dig Em For the last 10 years Ive been hosting a cable access show for musicians and artists. Its been a great experience and Ive learned something every night.
Band Members
Links
