Honey, Honey 7”
Blue Élan, 2018
8/10
A precursor to her exceptional album, Beautiful & Strange, the Los Angeles resident Chelsea Williams offers us 2 charming tunes here, where her country roots are on display as she pens a very endearing hybrid of Americana and folk sounds.
Side A offers us the honky tonk fun of the original “Honey, Honey”, where plenty of timeless melody and playful rhythm suit the soaring vocals from Williams and shuffling pace from the guitars, drums and bass.
Side B is a frisky interpretation of “Lovesick Blues”, which was popularized by Hank Williams and penned by Cliff Friend and Irving Mills. Armed with an acoustic guitar and expressive singing from Williams, this is an excellent version that carries some familial significance as her grandfather played in a country band and adored Hank.
Even though she’s still a youngster, Williams actually started her career at age 12, and has already landed a national commercial, a couple of record deals, and, perhaps most importantly, made a fan out of pretty much anyone willing to spend time with her music. A great way to introduce yourself to her engaging song craft, these two tracks showcase the fluid songwriting prowess of Williams perfectly.
Travels well with: Mary Bragg- Violets As Camouflage; Janiva Magness- Change In The Weather