Satisfied (Rebel, 2011)
Paul Williams and the Victory Trio
Reviewed by Larry Stephens
But he came back to the bluegrass circuit and, if Jimmy Martin is the king of bluegrass, Williams may well be the king of bluegrass gospel. Being the quiet gentleman that he is, though, you'd never hear him proclaiming that because his focus is only on one King.
"Satisfied" is his eleventh recording for Rebel. He kicks it off with the title song, an old standard written by Martha Carson. The bookend is another toe tapping standard, Somebody Loves Me.
In between is a good selection of bluegrass gospel. Williams sings lead on most of them and plays mandolin. He's backed by bandmates Dan Moneyhun (guitar, vocals), Adam Winstead (guitar, vocals), Jerry (banjo, bass vocals) and Alicia (upright bass) Keys. Hunter Berry joined them on fiddle for the CD.
From the ultra-traditional accapella version of A Dying Mother's Prayer to the plea to Give Me Just A Little More Time, you're never in doubt about his devotion to what he sees as his mission, serving the Lord through his music, nor that you're hearing bluegrass at its best.
Moneyhun sings lead on some songs, like He Means the World To Me and he penned He Will Call (And I Will Answer). Great harmony is another trademark of Williams career, whether with the Trio or with Martin and Crowe and you won't be disappointed this time around.
The only thing better than listening to this CD is seeing Williams in person. You won't be disappointed with either.
CDs by Paul Williams and the Victory Trio
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