http://ventsmagazine.com/good-time-by-jamie-williams-the-roots-collective/
Good Time by Jamie Williams &The Roots Collective
Recorded as live and dripping with a ‘rough and ready’ roots atmosphere, the new album from Jamie Williams and his Roots Collective is both a decidedly modern release and a throwback to mainstream, 70s roots music.
The folk movement in the 70s was laced with protest songs and lyrics about changing the status quo (a sentiment also reflected in the punk movement that continued into the 1980s), and Jamie Roots shares DNA with this ear – not least because of an uncanny vocal resemblance to Bob Dylan. Tracks like ‘Mean Old World’ also hint at these influences, commenting on some of the darker aspects of modern society.
Meanwhile, ‘Hideaway’ has a far more positive outlook; upbeat lyrics about a ‘sunny day’ laid over sparse instrumentation and country style harmonies. It’s an album that strays across the boundaries of roots music – with jazz elements, country tropes and folk styles all rearing their heads at various times – and makes for interesting listening.
Most arresting though is the aforementioned ‘as live’ production style. Lacking in the polish of many contemporary LPs in this genre, this has the feel of a traditional release and a genuinely raw quality.
by George Hoobs
