Back to Mercy

Description

Back to Mercy is the third studio album by the American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Brooks Williams, released on Green Linnet Records in 1992. The album was recorded 18-21 May 1992 by Gerry Putnam at Airwaves in New London, New Hampshire; with Johnny Cunningham producing. Mixed by Cunningham and Putnam at Airwaves. All songs written by Brooks Williams except the trad tune “Old Blue”, featuring arrangement and additional lyrics by Williams. (“Many of the songs on this recording was inspired by the writings of Frederick Buechner.”)

Featuring Brooks Williams on acoustic and bottleneck guitars, as well as vocals, backed by a rhythm section consisting of Kent Allyn on both fretless and fretted bass (as well as piano), and Doug Plavin on drums and percussion. Backing vocals provided by Newton-based duo, The Story – Jonatha Brooke and Jennifer Kimball.

Williams has previously wowed us with his command of the acoustic guitar, and his ability to draw equally from the blues and folk idioms. Although loosely classified as a folk artist, on his third release, he evokes some of the same pop leanings as James Taylor, and integrates the country-tinged approach of John Gorka and David Wilcox. This new outing still revolves around Williams gentle voice and finger-picked guitar (featured on three sterling instrumentals), but embellishments such as percussion, bass, flügelhorn and fiddle should help expose Brooks to a wider audience. Williams is a consummate balladeer, with an eye for the smallest detail (“We can watch the paint peel on the grocery store sign”). His lyrics illuminate real-life experiences, such as the simple joy of cruising the highway with one’s sweetheart or the dizzying elation of discovering a new city (such as Paris, in «Dancer’s Delight»). On other tales, like «Stormy Weather», «All That Glitters» and the melancholy «Mercy Illinois» (based on a tragic incident which occured during his trip to the ’91 Cornerstone fest), Williams sings of life’s lessons with one eye on the Scriptures and the other on the works of authors such as Frederick Buechner and J.R.R. Tolkien. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, April 1993]

Brooks Williams is a smooooth character. Never has that been more apparent than on his major album debut. Besides being bilingual (acoustic guitar is the man’s second language), he’s also a master of that East Coast brand of folk songwriting that stays gentle on your mind long after you hear it.

His last two self-produced efforts and relentless touring garnered himself a reputation for excellence long before Green Linnet took an interest, but there’s no doubt that having a producer and a budget, however small, has helped him shine even brighter than usual.

Part of that is the musical expansion that is only possible with other instruments. A jumpy tune like «Mason-Dixon Line» just wouldn’t be the same without its combination of honky-tonky piano and country rock rhythm section. It does nothing but accentuate Brooks’ warm voice and guitar. Indeed, this album proves what many of us have known for a long time – that Brooks Williams is around for the long haul, major label support or not. He’s simply one of the best singer/songwriters on the folk circuit. If he comes to your town, buy a ticket and any recordings he may have with him. You won’t be disappointed.

Brooks goes easily from traditional pieces like «Old Blue» to soulful East Coast blues («Stormy Weather») to intricate instrumentals («Boy’s First Thaw», «Before Coffee»). For all faithful Cornerstone readers who haven’t yet checked Brooks out, consider this your official last warning. We’d hate to do anything drastic. [Dave Canfield, Cornerstone Magazine, Vol. 21, Issue 100]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/back-to-mercy/265625603)

CD tracklist:

01. Search for You – 2:58
02. All That Is Gold – 3:22
03. If I Never – 2:29
04. Boy’s First Thaw – 2:04
05. Mason-Dixon Line – 3:39
06. Stormy Weather – 4:21
07. Dancer’s Delight – 3:42
08. Before Coffee – 2:47
09. Tulips In the Spring – 3:41
10. Mercy Illinois – 4:46
11. Old Blue – 3:08
12. Minutes to Midnight – 2:47

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Green Linnet Records.

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