Tessy Lou Williams
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The solo debut for Tessy Lou Williams, who usually takes up company with her band, The Shotgun Stars, here the songstress crafts both touching and playful country songs, where banjo, fiddle and several backing singers illuminate the cautious atmosphere.
The album starts with the warm country twang of “Your Forever Will Never Say Goodbye”, as smooth vocals from Williams guide the heartfelt opener, and “Why Do I Still Want You” follows with much emotion in the pedal steel and string friendly setting.
At the halfway point, “One More Night” welcomes some fluid pop melodies amid the rural instrumentation, while “Someone Lonely” recruits gorgeous reflection that moves with an aching yet glorious spirit. “Busy Counting Bridges”, one of the album’s best, then picks up the pace into a barnyard, dance friendly display of timeless skill.
“Round And Round” and “Pathway Of Teardrops” finish the listen, where the former glides with incredible dynamics between the fiddle, guitars and strong vocals, and the latter exits with a nod to ballad territory alongside traditional country prowess.
A Montana native whose musical vision fits perfectly in Nashville, where the album was penned and recorded, Williams has the ability to break your heart and also get your dancing shoes on with her honky tonk ways and flourishing country approach that’s nothing short of impressive.
Travels well with: Mary Bragg- Violets As Camouflage; Reckless Kelly- American Jackpot/American Girls