Meg Williams – Take Me As I Am
Meg Williams – Take Me As I Am (NOLA Blue)
Her 2017 EP, Maybe Someday, opened many doors for Meg Williams, including the chance to compete in the 2019 International Blues Challenge (Memphis, TN), representing the Kentucky Blues Society, and become the house band director for the Women in Blues Showcase during the IBC's. The singer/songwriter/bandleader/guitarist who moved to Nashville in July 2016 has now signed with NOLA Blue Records for her first full length album Take Me As I Am: The Muscle Shoals Sessions, set for an April 2019 release.
Williams, who draws instant comparisons to Susan Tedeschi and Bonnie Raitt, was obviously inspired during her sessions at FAME Recording Studios to take full advantage of the aesthetic of the space that gave birth to 100’s of hit records and was home to the infamous swampers rhythm section, and its formula for rocking Soul and Rhythm & Blues. The sessions engineered by John Gifford Ill, had Williams backed by an all-star rhythm section including Will McFarlane on guitar, Bob Wray on bass, Clayton Ivey on keys and Justin Holder on drums. Also appearing are Dan Wecht on guitar/slide guitar and Sara Rogers on background vocals. The album is a collection of twelve original songs, penned by Williams alone, or in collaboration with Nashville-based songwriters Claire Kelly, Scott Barrier, Chase Walker, Terry "Goose” Downing, and Jenny Teator, including new versions of ‘l Feel a Heartache Coming’ and ‘Little Bit of the Devil,’ from her first EP.
The bump and grind blues ‘Come On Over To Me,’ kicks open the set with greasy slide guitar lead and alluring vocals from Williams. But don’t be confused this isn’t a soft sell record as Williams dons her Gibson for the country fired Riff rocker ‘Tell Everybody,’ shouting out the chorus before throwing down hot lead guitar on the heavy-duty Funk burner ‘Shame.’ The tale of a wild woman ‘Little Bit Of the Devil,’ is revved up and refined into to a tighter narrative showcasing the tasty chops of the rhythm section. Fellow Nashville transplants Chase Walker co-wrote the tome of hard luck and trouble ’Played By The Blues,’ a fine update of a familiar theme. While Singer-songwriter Claire M Kelly helped her write the optimistic love song ‘Sometimes I Need You To,’ that ramps up to a great jamming Allman Brothers vibe. The title track is Williams declaration that she is in this for the long haul, and will be true to herself, as she sings about life, love and the choice to compete in the ruthless world of the music business. Some fine Hammond B3 from Clayton Ivey sweetens the easy groove of ‘What About Me,’ and the dynamic Rocker ‘Can’t Keep Waiting On You,’ has a slow burning intensity, while the full-blown Soul Rock blaster ‘I Feel A Heartache Coming,’ lets loose all the fury of Williams and the crew. Williams plays the Femme Fetal for the slinky ‘Make A Move,’ and the album closes with a classic swinging Blues ballad ‘Take A Chance On My Love,’ surrounding Williams’ sultry Alto with Gospel flavored harmonies and a soaring guitar lead from Will McFarlane.
With each track is spiced with that Muscle Shoals Sound, Take Me As I Am exquisitely sets the stage for Meg Williams to become a rising star in the Blues Rock world.
https://www.megwilliamsmusic.com
Rick J Bowen
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