Craft Recordings releases unearthed archival recordings from Country legend, Don Williams.
Don Willians – Epilogue:The Cellar Tapes – Craft Recordings CR1020 [5/29/2026] stereo vinyl, ****1/2:
(Don Williams – acoustic guitar, vocals; Joe Allen – electric bass, double bass; Charles Cochran – piano, electric piano, organ, string arrangements; Lloyd Green – steel guitar, Dobro; Kenny Malone – drums, congas, percussion; Billy Sanford – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin; Dave Kirby – electric guitar, acoustic guitar; Jimmy Collard – electric guitar, acoustic guitar; Tim Williams – electric guitar, piano, synthesizer, harmony vocals; Russ Pahl – steel guitar; John Gardener – drums; Steve Turner – drums; Steve Turner – drums; Stuart Duncan – fiddle; Buddy Spicher – fiddle; Danny Flowers – harmonica; Mike Noble – acoustic guitar; Dave Pomeroy – bass; Mark Johnson – bass, harmony vocals; Barry “Bird” Burton – electric guitar, acoustic guitar; Garth Fundis – harmony vocals; Chip Davis – harmony vocals; Billy Davis – harmony vocals)
Country singer/songwriter Don Williams began his solo career in 1971. He is noted for his unassuming demeanor and deep bass/baritone voice. As a recording artist, he earned 17 # 1 country hits. His songs were recorded by a variety of artists, including Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Lefty Frizzell, Waylon Jennings, Pete Townsend, Charley Pride, Alison Kraus and Kenny Rogers to name a few. As a solo act, Williams has recorded for over 40 years (30+ albums), and was inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2010.
Craft Recordings has released (for the first time) an archival collection of material from “The Gentle Giant”. These 12 songs were recorded in what many consider to be the prime years, 1979-1984. Long-time producer Garth Fundis and Willi ams’ son Tim assembled this anthology. While this album does not consist of recognizable hits, it is classic Don Williams that defines his legacy .These songs were recovered with some re-tracking by his touring band. The overall understated vibe of Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes remains quintessential. A certain highlight is “I’m The One” (written by Williams), that has a gentle flowing pace. His mellifluous voice infuses tender melancholy with rich instrumentation. There is a more simplified alternative version which is equally beguiling.. Another engaging performance is “Goldy’s Gone From Golden”. It has a down-home charm as the singer evokes the demise of a high school romance as his partner yearns for the city’s bright lights. He is equally adept at happier contexts on numbers like “Growing On Me” and the earnest “You Came True”. His laid-back style is very effective.
Williams covers great country songwriters. Rodney Crowell’s tale (“Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight”) of a girl leaving home with a “traveling” man is up tempo, showcasing rich instrumental texture and nice vocal harmony. Williams has a simple insight into life on songs like “I Wish I Was Crazy Again” (Bob McDill) which intermingles sentimental resignation and appreciation for redemption. He has a sense of love’s irony (“How Can I Miss What I Never Had”), and delivers a trademark observation that is heartfelt. His forlorn take on lost love (“Try Me Again”) is low-keyed and sincere.
Don Williams – Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes is a fitting tribute to this country troubadour. The sound mastering is balanced and keeps the focus on the indelible baritone voice.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Don Willians – Epilogue:The Cellar Tapes
Tracklist:
Side A:
Try Me Again;
You Came True;
I’m The One (Alternative Version);
Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight;
Crazy Again
Side B:
I’m In Love For My Last Time;
Spinning Around;
A Matter Of Time;
I’m The One (Original Version);
How Can I Miss What I Never Had;
Goldy’s Gone From Golden;
Growing On Me
