Last night I discovered Jack Williams at 185 King in Brevard and he amazed me. He is about my age and I had never heard of him before. He is nimble physically and mentally and is the most versatile entertainer and best musician / artist that I have ever heard in a small space - certainly the best 70 year old one. I have seen him called the "Songwriter Laureate of South Carolina" but I cannot document that as fact.
Midway through the second set I realized that I must get him to play my wake, but that might present a scheduling problem.
Plenty has been said about Williams and I will shut up and let you read. The following are some of the reviews from his web site:
The music of Jack Williams, rooted in his native South Carolina, was shaped by a 54-year career of playing folk, rock, jazz, R&B, classical and the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He is counted among the most dynamic performers on today's "folk" circuit - "...one of the most enlightened and entertaining performers I've ever encountered", said Dave Humphreys of Two-Way Street Coffeehouse in Downer's Grove, IL. Jack is considered a "musician's musician", an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition who further illustrates each tale with his guitar. Rich Warren of WFMT Chicago's The Midnight Special said, "His artistry is nothing short of amazing". Vic Heyman, in SING OUT!, wrote, “He is one of the strongest guitar players in contemporary folk.”
“…Perhaps even more exciting than seeing Bob Dylan, though, was the reaction that Jack
Williams got. ..He practically blew the top off the tent! Man, oh man, can that guy play guitar!
He completely overshadowed more well-known performers…They were wonderful, but Jack
Williams was playing in an entirely different league. I was astounded by how good he is.”
Mark Cashman, upon hearing Jack for the first time at the Newport Folk Festival.
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"...a gentle but compelling poetic and musical vision"
Billboard Weather Report |
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If you would like to see my collection of Carolina Lowcountry memories—"Magnolia Elegy: Place In the Edisto Fork," you can view the book trailer here, and see the book page here on the publisher's website. The book is also available from Amazon, B&N, and your independent local bookseller.