The Williams Brothers
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The Williams Brothers

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"The Concert"

As top-notch as The Williams Brothers are when it comes to studio finesse, you have truly never experienced the storied trio until you've heard them live in concert. Consider that the essence of this review.

Recorded live in Jackson, Mississippi in the summer of 1999, this new double-CD from Blackberry Records, titled The Concert, captures the essence of the famed group.

With guest spots from Bishop Carlton Pearson and Juanita Bynum, traditional Gospel is introduced to the millenium with a raw finesse that sends tingles up the spine. Much of the material on the project is taken from the best that the Williams Brothers have delivered over the years, both from their myriad of albums, and also from the various solo efforts from brothers Doug and Melvin.

Essential cuts include their massive hits, "Living Testimony", "Never Seen Your Face" and "I'm Too Close". There's also a trip down memory lane with a 15 minute medley of their long-past favorites (which includes "The Goat, "Sweep Around", "So Good" and three others). Also included is their interpretation of Fred Hammond's "No Weapon".

While you know that the threesome could easily carry the album on their own, they have evidently put as much effort into the supporting album cast as they have in their own vocals. Mainstays Ralph Lofton (organ), Terry Gatlin (bass) and Derrick Horne (rhodes, horns, synth) make their presence known, as does the marvelous performance from Jackson's own EnPraise Singers as backing choir. Minus a couple of uncharacteristicly awkward song transitions, production is on par with the usual beauty that the Williams Brothers' own TurnTable Productions brings out.

Perhaps the gem of the project is the Gospel remake of the Diane Warren song that Celine Dion made popular, "Because You Loved Me". It's arguably better than the original pop smash, not simply because of the brilliant vocal harmonies that emerge when the Williams Brothers pair up with guest soloist Juanita Bynum, but also because of the inherent beauty of turning the song 180 degrees into God-praising work of art. Check out the bonus track, which is a thoroughly urban remix of the cut (produced by Derrick Horne), and watch it smash into urban radio rotations.

Call it a one-two CD punch that no enthusiast of traditional Gospel can resist. With all the fire, the harmony, the masterful tunesmith workings and the heaven-bent enthusiasm that the trio is renowned for, The Concert is a 20-track summation of all that is The Williams Brothers.
- GospelFlava


"Still Here"


It’s been some time now since we’ve been able to introduce Smithdale, Mississippi’s own Williams Brothers in this CD review section. So, let’s end the year of 2003 with the group’s brand new release “Still Here” recorded “Live” in Morton, Mississippi. This highly anticipated two day recording session hits hard in a jam packed thirteen cut, twelve song CD. The project represents yet another amazing mixture of styles and sounds coming from these highly talented entrepreneurs, producers, and recording artists affectionatly known as "The Brothers".

As a musical critic and admirer, I challenge even the most critical listener to find a production flaw on this recording. The levels across the board are all even with some awesome harmonies coming from The Brothers. In classic Williams Brothers fashion the lead duties are shared throughout by brothers Doug & Melvin. Boasting one of the tightest bands on the road, one would be remised not to mention the awesome instrumentation provided by seasoned guitarists Dwight Gordon, and Terrell “Midge” Gatlin, and who can forget their awesome drummer Stan Jones.

Those that have witnessed The Brothers "Live" know that they are one of the most disciplined group's to ever hit the stage. Their break downs and runs are well polished and filled with Anointing and power. This newest release features everything from traditional foot stompin' drive numbers, to those heart wrenchin' ballads that are oh so beautiful!! Always bridging the gap between the old and the new, The Williams Brothers give the listener everything one could ever want in a quartet recording.

Each song is a highlight in itself however there are a few standout numbers worthy of mention. Songs like the title cut "Still Here", "My Purpose", and "No In the Middle" represent sounds that are slightly different for the deeply entrenched traditionalist but you will definitely fall in love with the powerful lyrics and noticeable grooves. The serious quartet fans will jump to their feet in praise on numbers like the hard hittin' "Good To Me", the Katie Sankey remake "I Don't Know Why", "Tell Somebody" and the Williams Brothers remake of their hit "I Felt A Change".

Of all the songs just mentioned this review wouldn't be complete if we didn't speak about the amazing performance on "I Felt A Change". The night of the recording I do have to say that this particular song was by far the highlight of the evening. The only guest appearance on the Brothers set came from the incomparable Paul Porter of the Christianaires. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way that I will never forget on this particular song and it can definitely be felt on this two part number as Melvin and Paul allowed the Spirit to have His way.

For excellent production, clean crisp vocals, and the commitment for putting out quality music throughout the years, I give The Williams Brothers "Still Here" a 10 out of 10.
- Glory and Gospel


"On a High Note"

Gifted artists have not been rare in a state where music notes were first penned, plucked, picked and sang as well - or better- than any place in the country. But each year, a slect few are considered the cream of the crop and inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. Eight more artists are set to join the elite group.
They take their places beside B.B. King, Elvis, Faith Hill, Leontyne Price, Jimmie Rodgers, Howlin' Wolf and many other legends. Here is the 2006 class, selected by genre, that will be inducted at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Vicksburg Downtown Convention Center.

***
Williams Brothers, gospel
Born: Smithdale
Known for: Enjoyed 18 hits, including Jesus Will Fix It, Jesus Will Never Say No, and Sweep Around Your Own Front Door. Earned three Grammy Nominations.
Original group was formed by current singers' father, Leon. Members now include Melvin Williams, Doug Williams and Henry Green. Were joined by the legendar Stevie Wonder on 1997 album Still Standing. - Clarion Ledger


Discography

This Is Your Night
Down Home Christmas
In Living Color
The Best Of and More Live
Gospel Showcase
Christmas at Blackberry
In This Place
Songs Mama Used To Sing
Gospel Night In New Orleans
Blackberry's Greatest Hits
Still Standing
Heartsongs
A Candlelight Christmas
Never Seen Your Face
Blackberry Collection
Songs Mama Used To Sing II
Blackberry's Greatest Hits Vol. 2
The Concert
Duets
Cooling Water
Good Time Gospel
Still Here
When Mercy Found Me
Songs Mama Used To Sing III
Greatest Hits Plus
Mr. Green's Session
Cover Me
Crazy Like Love
Love Like Crazy
Wedding Songs
Songs Mama Used To Sing IV

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Bio

Few gospel groups can equal the Williams Brothers in terms of longevity and popularity. The trio dates back to 1960, when Doug and Melvin’s father, the late Leon “Pop” Williams founded the group. In April 1991, Melvin, Henry and Doug decided to merge musical talent with industry expertise to form their own label dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through anointed music. As a result, Blackberry Records was born.
Blackberry Records’ first release, “This Is Your Night,” received a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Soul Gospel Album and won two Stellar Awards. Since that time, the Brothers have earned a gold record for the WOW Gospel project that included their performance with Stevie Wonder, and have performed in some of the nation’s most prestigious concert halls, including: Madison Square Garden, The Apollo Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Grand Old Opry, The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and The House of Blues.
In addition, they have shared the stage with talented artists such as: Stevie Wonder, Juanita Bynum, Jars of Clay, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Denise Williams, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Vickie Winans, Luther Vandross, Philip Bailey, Fred Hammond, the Mississippi Mass Choir, Maurice White, Andrae Crouch, Bebe & Cece Winans, Shirley Caesar, James Cleveland, Al Green, Kool and the Gang, Patti LaBelle, Sound of Blackness, Amy Grant, Steve Winwood, Peabo Bryson, Chaka Khan, James Taylor and many more. They have performed for the Governor of the State of Mississippi on several occasions, and were headliners in the “Celebrating a 50 Year Grammy Legacy” event, hosted by Governor Barbour.
Melvin, Doug, Henry and their musicians travel around the world with their distinctive Gospel sound, performing to enthusiastic audiences of all ages. When the group is not traveling, they make their homes in Mississippi. They spend their time running their record label and recording music at Terminal Studios, their Grammy award winning recording studio in Jackson.