SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: COLEMAN WILLIAMS – THE MAGNOLIA SESSIONS

COLEMAN WILLIAMS
THE MAGNOLIA SESSIONS
ANTI-CORP

Anti-Corp records have launched a series of albums titled The Magnolia Sessions. These albums must be recorded in one take, no overdubs, just the artist and their instrument. It is a brilliant concept. Coleman Williams, who also records/performs under the name IV Fourth as he is the great grandson of Hank Williams, grandson of Hank Williams Jr. and son of Hank III, chose to record his album outside under a tree. And, yes, one can hear the ambient nature sounds.

Although Williams has recorded three albums with his band, IV and The Strange Band, the most recent being 2023’s Hang Dog, which was produced by Shooter Jennings, son of Waylon Jennings, The Magnolia Sessions is his debut solo album. Williams alone in the woods with his acoustic guitar. This is pure folk, country, Americana, whatever label you want to put on it. But it is pure, just a voice and a guitar. The album opens with “For The Birds,” a perfect song to open the set. Williams introduces himself among the birds and crickets, off he goes. He sounds great and his guitar is the perfect accompaniment to his voice.

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It really is a very intimate recording. Listening to The Magnolia Sessions is like being at a campfire with your very talented friend. As he sings wonderful songs like “Why I’m Walkin’,” a cover of Stonewall Jackson’s classic. Although Williams’ is a much rawer version, it works and it is nice that he resurrected a forgotten gem. “Hang Dog,” which follows, is a lovely song for his dog. He ends his program with the outstanding “Owl,” showing off his ability to brilliantly and artistically arrange a song with just his voice and acoustic guitar. It brings to mind Bob Dylan’s early 1990s acoustic albums.

The Magnolia Sessions is a brilliant idea from Anti-Corp. Allowing an artist to produce a short, unedited concert. It works on many levels, great songs presented in a very authentic and natural manner. Plus, the songs themselves are a perfect choice for this kind of project. While Williams sounds fantastic with a band, his ability to arrange them in this manner is genius. Finally, it works as part of a brilliant series. The Magnolia Sessions proves there are young artists who want to bring forward and continue a tradition of well-crafted and played songs. Williams sounds at home and comfortable in his surroundings and plays the songs as if you are sitting right there with him. He introduces the songs and provides an engaging format to welcome the listener. The Magnolia Sessions is a brilliant album.

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