Review: Holly Williams, The Maze

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Slightly famous was how the daughter of country music legend Hank Williams junior humorously described herself. But fame in itself is clearly not her ambition. Singer-songwriter Holly Williams has developed into a purveyor of heartfelt intimate lyrics.

She likes England so much because of its receptive small halls.

Not that this tall willowy blonde lacks a commanding stage manner, or a singing voice to shiver the rafters. Her songs are both personal reflections and punchy power ballads.

As a performer – accompanying herself on either piano or guitar – Williams goes in mainly for stark primary colours. One of her best interpretations was of Bob Dylan's Don't Think Twice, It's Alright. She could afford to rein in the energy, re-imagine her own songs, inject more variety into the phrasing.

But June Carter Cash's god-daughter is already an artist of distinction. Between verbal glimpses of her father and life on the concert circuit, she gave thought-provoking numbers from her two studio recordings, together with a new song about an incorrigible alcoholic.

Williams was partnered by Nashville's Chris Coleman, her husband of five months, who fired his battered guitar with aplomb. It was hold on to your stetsons for a joint rendition of Romeo and Juliet with all the rip-roaring excitement of a Porter Wagoner/Dolly Parton duet.

Jezz Hall's classy opening set included an exotic folk ballad and the title composition of his Silhouette Man album, with atmospheric keyboards from "Andy".