Praise for Ghost of the Knoxville Girl

“I love to hear artists developing from record to record/show to show, and the growth of Doug & Telisha Williams is here in their new CD, "Ghost of the Knoxville Girl." They now have the old-time, pre-70’s country, mountain & honky-tonk road house music all blended together into their own whiskey - open the jar and have a pull. The steel playing of Lloyd Maines on here makes this an absolute classic.”

-- Darrell Scott

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Saturday, November 7th
Rod Ames, No Depression

I was invited to be on my friend’s radio show last Halloween night. It’s a great opportunity for the two of us to go a little crazy by spinning some of our favorite most obscure tunes we can find. We’re like a couple of kids in a candy store. However, our candy just happens to be in the form of music.

We’re not limited to twang either. We play everything, from Amazing Rhythm Aces to Zappa. We have free rein and do practically anything we want (within the FCC’s guidelines, of course). I did play one song by Damon Fowler performing one of Billy Joe Shaver’s old songs, “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal”, which I had not heard yet. So Big ‘G’ apologized ahead of time to the good people at the FCC just in case Mr. Fowler added an expletive not contained in the original version. But Mr. Fowler remained true to the original tune and there was no need to worry. You get the idea, free rein.

On this particular night as I entered the studio with the small box tucked under my arm and in the crook of elbow like I was holding a football, containing the music I hoped to play on his show, Big ‘G’ said, “I have some gifts for ya ‘Rebel’ Rod”, and he pointed down to a black swivel office chair.

There on the chair were four or five CD’s and a white envelope. I’ll get to the other CD’s and the white envelope another time. But one of the CD’s jewel cases just sort of jumped out at me. It was Doug and Telisha Williams’ (www.dandtw.com) latest release on No Evil Records, Ghost of the Knoxville Girl.

I finished another fun midnight to 2 AM gig with my friend and left the studio, got in my car, and immediately popped the CD into my CD player. I just couldn’t wait!

Every now and again you run across something that just knocks your socks off. This was one of those times.

The very first song, “Kitchen Light” captivated me from practically the very first note with some amazingly traditional pedal steel played by none other than Lloyd Maines. Mr. Maines is absolutely one of the best pedal steel players around, and if that weren’t enough, Telisha Williams’ voice joins in with one of the hottest, most twangy female voices I have heard since Rosie Flores came on to the scene way back when. Mr. Williams’ background vocals reside in the distant background where it’s just barely heard behind Telisha’s lead vocals. That’s they way it was written and it works. Not really harmonizing, just accompanying or maybe complimenting is a better word. At any rate, it all combines to obtain near perfection.

The lyrics – “So you want me to forgive you, again/these things happen now and then. You played a game that no one wins and went and broke my heart again/so many times you let me down and your always runnin’ around/this time I won’t give in/no I won’t forgive you again”…and then, “Turnin’ out the kitchen light/I’m walking out into the night/this time I’m leavin’ you behind/and I’m not gonna change my mind/you made me say it before/but this time I’m closin’ that door/you say your cheatin’ days are through/Well there’s somethin’ I’m through with too.” Can anyone say, “oh hell yeah!”?

Now it just doesn’t get any twangier than that. I was hooked on the record from the very first song and was astounded by what came next.

“Graveyard Train” is the next track and is at the other end of the spectrum. Here I am expecting another twangy little tune, but instead I’m turned on to this rocking number with some incredible guitar work by Doug Williams and, if my ears served me correctly, the ever so reliable Hammond B3 played by Tom Berry (also plays accordion). Ms. Williams’ voice showed a lot of versatility as well by pounding out some powerful vocal work.

I loved the contrast between the first and second tracks on the record. Come to find out, the entire record was laid out that way, and it worked brilliantly, creating its own rhythmic scheme throughout the recording.

Speaking of contrasts; the third track on the record, “If My Heart”, is a simple acoustic tune with guitar and accordion accompanying Ms. Williams’s soft, almost whispering voice, singing a sad little romantic ballad. “So go away/I’ve made my last mistake/please don’t stay/please don’t stay/if my heart could just take one more heart break/ I’d give in to you, I’d give in to you”. The lyrics are very simple while remaining effective, never the less. Telisha Williams truly possesses an extremely beautiful, very versatile voice. Her voice is capable of twang, rock ‘n roll or romantic ballads, all of which are represented in the first three tunes on the CD.

The opening three songs give the listener a very clear and precise representation of the record and it never strays from its path. In some cases I would say that isn’t a good thing, but not here. The entire record is somewhat outside the box while staying on course at the same time. This is clearly a difficult task to accomplish. However, the Williams’ achieve this goal almost seamlessly.

The number five track, “Ghost of the Knoxville Girl”, is lyrically somewhat of a gothic sounding tune about the ghost of a girl who has been murdered in a crime of passion by her love. It’s a darkly stirring song of love gone completely wrong and the pain and anguish the title character experiences and is destined to undergo for an eternity. The drums played by Nathan Logan add to the mystery and eerie atmosphere of the tune. His pounding of the drums builds up to the point you believe he may eventually completely break through the skins of his instrument.

This is a great record, and quite frankly, I don’t know how I could have missed it when it was released last month. The musicians all do a superb job on every track. The fore mentioned Doug and Telisha Williams, Lloyd Maines, and Nathan Logan, and Tom Berry are joined by Rod Capps, and Jonathan Byrd on electric guitar. Telisha also plays bass on the record.

This is a wonderful compilation I would recommend to anyone. Especially those who are into roots type music. Thanks to Big ‘G’ for turning me on to it.

‘Rebel’ Rod says to definitely check this one out

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Sunday, October 11, 2009
By Bill Wyatt

Doug & Telisha Williams
Doug and Telisha Williams dropped in on the Coffee Break Friday to chat with us about their new album and their CD release show at the Rive’s Theatre Saturday night. I have never seen this couple perform and I was anxious to see them on stage.
I wasn’t disappointed.
With the professional accompaniment of Dr. Tom Berry on the keyboard and Nathan Logan on drums, the Williams’ have put together a presence that’s quite original, full of talent, and plenty of energy.
I’ve seen enough acts in my time to forget most of them and when you reach that point, it takes more than an average show to impress you. Doug and Telisha Williams impress me.
Doug is an accomplished guitar player on both acoustic and electric and has plenty of ability to pick, pluck, strum, or bend a guitar string to get the sound he’s looking for.
Telisha has the presence and poise of an actress, strong and commanding vocals, and a connection with the audience that puts her in rare company.
With the release of “Ghost of the Knoxville Girl” this duo is well on their way to establishing themselves firmly in the middle of the Americana scene.
Great show Saturday night guys! Thanks for making it happen in Martinsville (20.2)!

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October 19 2009
WCOM - Taproot Radio #202

“The other notable CD this week was from Doug and Telisha Williams. Their latest CD, Ghost of the Knoxville Girl" reminds me of an acoustic version of Trailer Bride. ...”

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"This is truly an amazing Americana record.  For fans of folk, country, rock and roll, bluegrass, Ryan Adams, Emmylou, Dolly & Porter, Buddy & Julie, it’s a must have record.  “If My Heart” is a classic, it’s a surprise Willie Nelson didn’t write it himself and Telisha sings it with a broken heart stuck straight in that whiskey soaked Virginia voice of hers.  The songwriting is top notch, the production suits it perfectly, inflects the beauty with scratches and creaks like a front porch in Poor Valley, where there’s a pie cooling and an old ’35 Gibson leaning against the broken screen door.  "

--Amy Speace

 

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Praise for Rope around My Heart

Performing Songwriter 
Top 12 DIY Pick
The Virginia duo of Doug and Telisha Williams deliver honest, no-frills music on their first national release.  Part Texas honky-tonk, part mountain jamboree, 'Rope Around My Heart' moves seamlessly from bar rooms and freight trains to small towns and coal mines.  Telisha’s vocals carry the twang of Steve Earle and Nanci Griffith, while Doug’s bluesy, country guitar conveys both rhythm and harmony.
Standout tracks include the after-hours anthem “Bar Room Story” and the fast-paced “Bringin’ My Daddy Home Again” in which a lap steel convincingly mimics a train whistle as Telisha tells us, “You can ride a truck on down the road, you can fly on aeroplane/ But there ain’t nothing in this world like a mighty railroad train.”  If you’re an Americana fan, let Doug and Telisha Williams tie a rope around your heart. 

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Americana Highway
Eric Bohlen - Producer
Thank goodness I listened to the cd “Rope Around My Heart” by Doug & Telisha Williams before I actually met them.  Recorded with some of the best musicians in Americana today (namely Darrell Scott, Dennis Crouch, Eamon McLoughlin, Kenny Malone, and Doug’s sister Becki Williams), the twelve tunes on this disc have a comfortable, familiar quality about them – tales of loves gone wrong, honky tonks, family disfunctionality, music industry sarcasm, and reflections about the “the good ol’ days”.

The highlight of the cd is the title track – a true love song that’s as sweet of a story (girl meets boy, girl falls for boy, girl and boy live happily ever after) as the sweet sparkle in the voice of Telisha as she sings the tale.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is “Shirt On A Rack” – a song that made me sad, made me cry, made me angry and made me cry again – all before the second verse began.

This husband/wife duo from the hills of Southwest Virginia (not to be confused with South West Virginia) call their music “Fuel Injected Folk”.  Which it is.  But I’m hoping it will be called the first of many, many great collections of songs from this bright, energetic musical twosome.

Oh, and why am I glad that I listened to the cd first and then meet The Williams’?  By hearing the music first I decided to play it because I appreciated and enjoyed the honesty of the songwriting and the warmth of the singing.  The merit of the music itself warranted some quality airtime.

After meeting them in person, I became friends with Doug & Telisha and would have played their songs just because they are so sweet, real and fun.  The fact that their music is so good is just a bonus.

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Americana Rhythm Music Magazine
Greg Tutwiler
Martinsville, VA is home to this husband and wife duo.  Playing what they call “Fuel Injected Folk”, their new CD Rope Around My Heart is a fine addition to my Americana collection.  At times Telisha’s voice sounds hauntingly like Natalie Merchant.  There’s a depth to their songs that goes beyond the surface, and substance to their stories.  They have an energy that grabs hold of you and pulls you in...

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Green Man Review
Peter Massey
Coming from Southwest Virginia, Doug & Telisha Williams, formerly known as No Evil, present a superb, real homespun recording. This is their second recording, and  Rope Around My Heart really is a superb Americana album that gently flirts with bluegrass and old timey rhythms. It grabbed my attention straight away. Most of the songs are written by the duo --10 out of the 12 tracks to be precise. It is delightful the way the second track, Iris DeMents' 'Our Town', fits with their own material. In fact this is one of the best covers I have heard. The other cover song on this album is a haunting version of the ever-popular 'Long Black Veil', which also has to be recommended. Apart from some fine vocal performances I was impressed by the musicianship, so it came as no surprise to find listed in the credits for guest musicians Darrel Scott on guitar, mandola, banjo, bouzouki, and slide instruments, Kenny Malone on percussion, Dennis Crouche on bass, Eamon McLoughlin on fiddle and Becki Williams adding harmony vocals.

It was all recorded by Miles Wilkinson on the back porch of his house one warm day in July. It has just the right balance between vocals and instruments to make an outstanding folk recording, and the producer should get his share of the credit. Take a bow Miles!

Doug and Telisha should be proud of this album: Nice, easy listening that won't offend anyone, and I mean that in the nicest possible way!

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Metro Pulse 
Knoxville, TN
They call their music “Fuel Injected Folk,” those powerful songs that only exist in Southern isolation, where us mountainfolk can take off our shoes and ponder.” Since this husband-and-wife duo from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia cut their CD, Rope Around My Heart, they have been steadily climbing the Roots Music Review Folk Chart. Their success is easy to understand, because they both have voices that cry folk, which bleed the sweet Southern cadences that are hard to find today. Doug could out-ballad Bobby Helms if he wanted to, but he’s content keeping his vocals minimal, understated behind Telishia’s voice, which sounds like a polished Kitty Wells, cooing heartfelt ballads with an unassuming downhome charm.

“A thousand broken hearts / Carry a thousand broken dreams / Over a thousand broken miles / In the city where everyone sings,” Telisha sings on “Nashville.” “They sit on the stage for four-hour sets / None of them have a hit song yet / Do you remember why you came?”  We know why Doug and Telisha are here. They’re authentic. (K.C.)

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Roots Music Report 
Herb Barbee - RMR Staff Reviewer
5 Stars!

Doug & Telisha Williams’ newest CD, “Rope Around My Heart”, is a brilliant piece of artwork. This talented duo takes their folksy style of music and captivates the listener with it. Telisha’s clear-as-a-bell, resonant voice reminds you of a cool, crisp mountain morning and when Doug chimes in with his extraordinary harmony, the result is an absolutely beautiful sound, indeed.
  The two are incredibly in sync through each track – each supporting the other to create a synergism not often found. It is as though the two artists become one voice.
  Their songwriting is as dazzling as their singing. Ten of the twelve tracks are original tunes and those ten are both insightful and inspired.

  The instrumentation on the CD is right on. The acoustic guitar and fiddle provide the perfect backdrop and create a fusion of sound to complement the vocals and complete a very pleasurable listening experience.

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Mountain Express 
Smart Bets
"Their sweet songs are nicely done – then you learn of their love story, and you're really hooked. Doug & Telisha Williams, hailing from Southwest Virginia, were high-school sweethearts (they were in band together – really). Fourteen years later, they're married and still making music."

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Music Matters Review
Michael Devlin
Recorded on the back porch of a Tennessee farmhouse, they sound a little South of traditional Appalachian, almost road-house at times but all acoustic. The duo has been singing together since high school, with Telisha playing mandolin and Doug playing guitar. Telisha has a strong clear voice that can swing with an honest twang or break your heart on a sad ballad. The harmonies are sweet no matter who is taking the lead. They are deservedly joined by stellar multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott and other fine musicians on mandola, banjo, slide guitar, fiddle, upright bass and percussion. The duo has the confidence to record of Iris Dement’s signature “Our Town” in their own distinctive style. “Shirt On A Rack” visits darker places than the usual folk ballad with the unforgettable first lines, “Just a shirt on a rack in a thrift store, pulls a trigger inside of my head/ And those feelings come back in a frustrating swirl, and there I am again a helpless young girl/ Crying and alone in my bed.” One gets the feeling that national recognition is just around the corner for this charismatic duo.

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Slipcue.com 
Joe Sixpack
Spirited, pleasant folk-country with plenty of twang and a good sense of the music's roots... Ms. Williams sings pretty much in Iris Dement's range, which comes in handy on their version of Dement's "Our Town"; almost all the other songs are originals, including several swell ones, such as the album's opener, "Bar Room Story," and the bluesy "Bad Attitude," a novelty song with, well, a bit of a bad attitude. This is a nice effort, a little ragged at times and about as indie as you can get, packed with sincerity and earnestness, and some nice contributions from friends such as Kenny Malone and Darrell Scott. The Williamses have a similar vibe to other husband-wife duos such as Robin & Linda Williams or Holly & Barry Tashian, though with a little more of a rough edge, due in part to stylistic choice as well (one imagines) to budget constraints... If you like either of those acts, you might wanna check these folks out as well.

"Telisha’s vocals carry the twang of Steve Earle and Nanci Griffith, while Doug’s bluesy, country guitar conveys both rhythm and harmony.."

--Performing Songwriter