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By: Kerry Heffernan
Atlanta, GA native Jason "Lefty" Williams is one skilled musician. An honor graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music, Lefty has been playing the guitar since he was old enough to understand what the instrument was. His music is intricate in composition and delivery. His blues-based rock & roll is mature and completely developed, his solos are confident and controlled, and his vocals clear and natural. He was born with immense talent, and did I mention that all of this greatness comes from a man that has only one hand? Using a special strumming device, Williams has mastered his six-string in a way that most two-handed guitarists could only dream of. But, one-handed, two-handed, or five-handed, it doesn't matter at all. The only thing that matters is that Jason Williams is one damn good guitar player, and his debut studio release, Big Plans, showcases this incredible talent that is as unique as the musician himself.
Produced by John Keane of R.E.M. and Widespread Panic fame, Big Plans expertly blends southern rock, blues, jazz and funk. Jason's ability to capture many styles of music is downright impressive, and the surprises are never-ending.
The first song, "Canyons/A Room with a View," begins with precise, crying guitar that's mesmerizing, almost other-worldly. Just as the sorrow of the tune becomes familiar, a more pronounced electric guitar emerges and the keyboards, which were previously absent, make a commanding entrance. The key shifts to a major scale and a light and airy jazz number emerges, a complete change from the song's origins. That versatility carries effortlessly into a rockin' cover of Hendrix's "Manic Depression." It's here that Williams sort of channels Stevie Ray Vaughan or even Jimmy Herring.
Another prime example of Lefty's adaptability comes on "Better Believe Me." With a sound reminiscent of the Allman Brothers, this blues-infused tune has a strong, swinging bass presence and classic gutbucket lyrics about tough love. The guitar solos are downright nasty but even when Williams is wailing away on a stellar groove the other pieces of the band are audible.
The title track is one of many heart-wrenching ballads on this collection. It begins with a guitar that mimics Pearl Jam's "Black" and "Release." The blues influence that is so prevalent in Williams thrives here. With an overall feel that's more Black Crowes than Pearl Jam, this song offers a glimpse of Lefty's verbal prowess. His vocals are powerful, and his tone is pure. This beautiful ballad just pulls at your soul.
And that's just what this whole collection does. Whether that emotion comes from rowdy rock & roll, head-bobbing funk, or swingy jazz, it's the emotions that make all the difference. Being able to capture these varying energies by fluidly moving from one genre to the next is what sets Jason "Lefty" Williams apart from the rest of the pack.
JamBase | Georgia
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