A love song to the guitar, DIAMOND DAYS is Brooks Williams first solo album since 2020. Afraid to keep still, alongside his duo work as State Of The Union with Boo Hewerdine and following two stunning albums with violinist Aaron Catlow, this is the sound of one voice and Frankie his acoustic guitar.
Like the best Brooks makes it sound effortless, his languid smooth voice and hypnotic guitar sounds perfect. “Big Sky” is a escape song with a great percussive right hand some superb picking and a warm vocal. “London Road” has a atmospheric soft riff, but there is still a funkiness to the guitar, its life at odds with the dark lyrics abd note of caution in Brooks’ voice. Wisely sidestepping the world weary derelict vocal “Pony” is a cover of Tom Waits journeyman’s song. Brooks reworks the guitar part, his timing and the chocolate and touch of grit vocal helps him own the song. “Palomino Gold” is a different kind of horse and a very different song, full of freedom and speed. Williams’ voice control is impeccable holding those long notes tight. On “Anniesland” Williams’ voice is strong emough and powerful enough to carry the tune with the guitar playing just a, subdued shuffle beat. With some light percussion and deft slide flourishes Brooks delivers a solo guitar version of Dylan’s “Nettie Moore” that is sensitive and full of the weary longing of a rail riding troubadour. Similarly Brooks’ own “On The Island” has the gait and rhythm of a Jimmie Rodgers train song, as well as some beautiful guitar playing. As does the insistent traditional sounding “Train On The Island”. “Bonnie Triumph” has a little of the Psych Folk bite of Martin Carthy or Richard Thompson. With the lyricism of Delta, Blues or traditional folk “Gone And Done It Now” uses classic imagery as Brooks looks back on the life of a traveller and rover, again its, much a showcase for the voice as the guitar. “Doing Fine’s” lyric titles the set and looks back with a touch of Country bravado and swagger at a life lived. Like “Gone And Done It Now” “Ring Those Golden Blues” mines the imagery of Blues and Gospel in a warm Williams original that reflects back on life and closes the album perfectly.
Warm, timeless, impeccable, a masterclass in what you can do with one voice and one guitar
Marc Higgins 14/04/24
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Own Label 13 tracks
Time Past and Time Passing 