JOHN WILLIAMSON: John Williamson

John Williamson

John Williamson

© 2002 Tiger Creek Music (634479151729)

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This album is pure country music because John is FROM the country. One part South Georgia swamp water, two parts whiskey, and a pinch of sawdust. Pour over highway gravel and enjoy.

tracks

1 I Might Say Anything
2 That's All I Ask
3 The Man Who Let a Memory Take Him Down
4 Blood, Sweat and Tears
5 The Man You Wanted Me to Be
6 This Old Truck
7 Someone Who Can
8 Where Does a Cowboy Go
9 Handouts, Hopes and Prayers
10 This Feeling Won't Last Long
11 This Town

notes

Born and raised in the small farming community of Vidalia, Georgia, John Williamson knows what real country music is all about. In one way or another, he's lived out the lyrics to every song he's ever written. Growing up in a farming family, John learned early about hard work, strong love, and the music that serves as a backdrop for everday life. By the time he started first grade John knew Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger Medley" by heart. Eight track tapes and vinyl records littered the floor of his bedroom and John spent hours in his own little world, headphones dwarfing his five-year-old ears. He sent in a penny with an ad he cut out of the newspaper, and soon thereafter his first Waylon Jennings album arrived in the mail. Subsequent albums (and accompanying invoices) cut his first record club membership short, but John was hooked on country music for good. From Ralph Emery's four-in-the-morning radio show to Saturday night's Grand Ole Opry, John immersed himself in the music he had come to love.

John Williamson wrote his first song when he was eighteen, working in the tobacco fields. He ran to his pickup truck to write down the lyrics that were pouring into his head, nearly losing his job in the process. From that point on, John wrote about what he knew best. He started to travel in his early twenties, adding a new dimension to what had already become a solid foundation of good country songs. After several years of hiring himself out as a carpenter and camping across the United States, playing his music for the rivers, prairies, and anyone else who would listen, John decided to try his hand at the business end of music. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2000, and began writing and recording in earnest, completing his first album in June of 2002.

John's self-titled debut album establishes him firmly as the type of writer Nashville needs, rooted strongly in tradition, but with a unique perspective from living life his own way. His first single, "The Man Who Let a Memory Take Him Down", is supporting evidence of this fact. The song relates the tale of a broken-hearted lover whose inability to forgive himself for past mistakes threatens to bring him to his knees. The lyrics paint a picture of a desperate soul, while John's soft, melodic guitar playing and smooth, easy-timbred voice soothe the pain the listener is sure to feel.

Other tracks on the album give credit to John's interesting take on life, both happy and sad. "Where Does a Cowboy Go" is a bouncy romp through the day to day adventures of America's last free spirit. "That's All I Ask" lists the simple pleasures that make a country boy smile. And "Handouts, Hopes and Prayers" is an inside look at what takes place in the mind of a less fortunate person forced to live on the street. Backed by the enormous talent of Johnny B. on dobro, Marc Kunkel on harmonica, Tom Striker on drums, and Sam Weedman on keyboards, mandolin and electric guitar, John's songs and the characters in his stories come to life like never before.

John Williamson writes, plays, and sings with feeling about things he knows and understands. He continues to live the way that he chooses, experiencing all that life has to offer, both good and not so good. He believes everyday is a gift, and music is a part of the gift that can touch a person so deeply the effect goes on forever.


In John's own words:

"When I was a kid I thought I'd never leave South Georgia. All I wanted to do back then was take over my Grandaddy's farm. Well, I still dream of tractors and rows of cotton and corn occasionally, but I'm about as far from the settled life of flatland farmer as I can be. As I write this, I have just returned from two weeks on the road and I'm leaving tomorrow for two more. By the end of the month I will have crossed the Rockies twenty times in everything from a jumbo jet to a 1929 Ford race car.

"I've slept in my truck or on the ground in about forty states, playing my music when I could and swinging a hammer when I had to. Traveling has become the source for my songwriting. Change of scenery is what feeds my muse and I think my lyrics are undisguised proof of that. I write about the simple life I've led with the perspective of deep thought and deeper feeling. I love to live and I can't wait to see what lies around the next bend. Listen to my music and you'll see not only me, but the people and places I've seen and the experiences that make me who I am. This album is a page from my life. I hope you enjoy it."

reviews

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  • john williamson
    author: marilyn turner

    I was first introduced to John by his cd "The Whiskey And The Highway". I knew after listening to it I must have his earlier release (about which I write). Again it is a must have for any fan of true cou ntry music. John's song's are a tapestry of life in rural southern usa. Do yourself a favor and buy this cd. marilyn l turner

  • This CD is awesome! Can't wait for the next one!
    author: Elias J.

    This guy's a real storyteller. He's got a way of putting you in the shoes of his characters, letting you walk a mile... An album like this should be on everyone's top shelf. Come on, John, give us more!

  • Country music at its purest form.
    author: Little Johnny Kantreed

    This is a man that has been "there" and then wrote about it! The heartfelt lyrics flow through the whole CD, with tasteful and non-overbearing production that showcases a man and his song. Highly recommended for true country music fans.

  • Simple songs that tell about how complicated life can be.
    author: Andy Morris

    John's has a simple way of telling a story about how complicated life can be. Nothing fancy, just simply Great!! If you like his music, you would like John also.

  • This album is wonderful
    author: Masaya Takasu

    I am a Japanese. I love American country music. This album is wonderful. I'll introduce to Japanese country music lover to my site. regards,

  • Fits me like a pair of well broken in boots...
    author: Jim Snyder

    This music fits me like a pair of well broken-in boots and my favorite old jeans. These songs are the work of a great story-teller who can turn a phrase with the best of 'em in Nashville. The vocal stylings are fresh and original, yet hauntingly farmiliar...then it hits me...could this be the country reincarnation of Jim Croce?

  • Dang good
    author: Pat Hazzard

    I thought the man was gonna be strictly a songwriter..until I listened to his voice through a mike on this website. Dang John..sounding good. Bet you can't sing without tapping your boot in the studio, can you?

  • Absolutely Touching . . . One of a kind.
    author: Cinthia Sickbert

    The CD is so wonderful. Every word touches my heart and John does a great job opening his soul and letting the listener know what is really going on in his life. I think that is wonderful in an artist. I cherish my CD and cannot wait for more! *See you at the swimmin' hole John!!*

  • Pure Country!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: Michelle Snyder

    I listen to this one on my computer, in the car and on my stereo. It's one of my favorites! It's a clean cut. Just the right amount of everything. Keep it up John!

  • Soulfull, honest and one-of-a-kind!
    author: Salleigh G.

    Awesome CD! Obviously a talented songwriter and musician. Particularly love the music to The Man You Wanted Me to Be. So much heart and soul in all the tracks - great for my kids to listen to as well. Thanks for the memories you've given us. Love the Dog!!!!

  • JOHN HAS THE MAKIN'S OF A WILLIE NELSON TYPE COUNTRY STAR
    author: LEWIS

    FOR A FIRST EFFORT, THE PRODUCTION IS WELL ABOVE AVERAGE. SERIOUS FORETHOUGHT CHARACTERIZES EACH SONG WITH JUST THE RIGHT TEMPO AND INSTRUMENTATION NEEDED TO PRESENT IT. ALL JOHN NEEDS TO DO IS KEEP DOING WHAT HE IS DOING NOW. HIS INSTINCTS ARE RIGHT WITH MAIN STREET AMERICA EVEN IF THEY ARE JUST OUTSIDE THE ESTABLISHED MUSIC MARKETING THRUST. THE MORE I HEAR THE CD, THE BETTER I LIKE IT. SINGING ALONG IS EASY TO DO.

  • John sings a lot about my life, also, living just up the road in Baxley, GA.
    author: Cindy

    I just heard your songs this morning (10-09-02), on the Baxley station. (Z94) I love it. I think you will do well. I just had to visit your web site. I will be purchasing your CD. It's great to have a good old country boy from just up the road in Nashville. Best of LUCK, and GOD BLESS! Cindy Moore 3700 Oglethorpe Road Jesup, GA (Got married, not in Baxley any more, but just as close)

  • John's music shows that he understands life.
    author: Johnny D.

    These songs are all about what real people face every day, both good and bad. I love this CD and play it constantly.

  • No pretense here. John gives us real life in his music.
    author: Holly V.

    John's voice, the music, and the lyrics are as real as it gets. This CD has a permanent place among my most played favorites. Give us more, John.

  • Here to stay. Looking foward to more.
    author: Thru The Wall Projects: by Tim Kochanski

    John Williamson is a true songwriter. Not there for the money, glory or cool of it. It's his soul that's writing these songs, nothing could be more epic. I met John on the road in NC and was priviledged to hear some of these s0ngs, and others that are not on the album, performed in their rawest form... The Nashville Lefty with a voice, a rhyme and no good reason at all.

  • Awesome!
    author: Lynn M

    The 1989 Graduating class of Vidalia Comprehensive High School Salutes you!!! Way to go John!! We're all so proud of you! Your music stirs the soul and touch's on special memories.....

  • John puts you right there in his music!! Few artist can do that!!
    author: Keith D

    When was the last time you could actually listen to every song on a cd?? I listened to this one twice thru the 1st time. John puts you right beside him in his pickup and drives you thru his music!! Hey John, any beer left in our cooler?? Great cd!!

  • Great cd. We want more!!!
    author: driftmier

    I can't get the lyrics out of my mind. Very original and heartfelt.

  • I love this album!!
    author: kat d

    Awesome cd!! I think it's left my cd player twice since I got it! Can't wait for the next one.

  • author: Kelly C

    John can take anything in his life and turn it into an awesome song. This CD truly is one of the best country albums out there!!

  • Great Album!!!
    author: Brian

    I think John captures the essence of being a good ol country boy. Very relaxed and stress free. He is a down to earth guy, who really expresses himself on this album. Keep up the good work. Brian

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