This Friday evening seemed ideal for a music benefit: Nice weather and a good lineup for a good cause. But it is Easter Weekend (and it was Opening Day), and even the Free State Brewery didn't have its usual air-tight standing-room-only crowd. So maybe that contributed to the light turnout at Liberty Hall. Or maybe too many people still don't appreciate the talents and idiosyncrasies of Victoria Williams.
Above: Victoria Williams rumbles with the Midday Ramblers at Liberty Hall on Friday. Photos by Timothy Finn/The Star
She headlined a Sweet Relief benefit in Lawrence, and the 120 or so who showed up got more than their money's worth. And they contributed funds to a group that helps musicians cover health care expenses.
The Midday Ramblers opened things up with a set of old-time hill-country tunes. Williams joined them for a song during a set thatincluding Bascom Lamar Lundsford's "Dry Bones" and "He Said If I Be Lifted Up."
Above: Lori Chaffer of Waterdeep.
The second act in this three-part show was the wife/husband duo Lori and Don Chaffer of the band Waterdeep. They made light of their backing band: a keyboard programmed to add some backing tracks. And they forewarned the crowd that their live chops were a little rusty, but that didn't show much, especially vocally. Their harmonies were lovely. And they showed why they've sold a bunch of records in the spiritual/Christian market: good songs, bright personalities, polished performance. Their set included "Life of the Party," "Good Good End" "Okay, Okay, Yeah" and "Easy Does It."
Williams had an eight-piece band behind her that included Billy Brimblecom Jr. on drums, Don Chaffer on guitar and Lori Chaffer and Allison Brimblecom (Billy's wife) on background vocals. The band had only a couple of rehearsals under its belt, but it sounded tighter than that. Things got a little loose here and there -- mostly due to Williams' free-wheeling nature -- but the music was solid and entertaining.
She performed several of her best-known and signature songs, like "Century Plant," "Frying Pan," "You R Loved," "Crazy Mary," "Water to Drink," "A Little Bit of Love," "Summer of Drugs" and "Opelousas (Sweet Relief)." She also covered "What A Wonderful World." For having such a short time to prepare, the band behind her held it together really well, vocally and musically, especially during some of the more uptempo, jazzy moments. She seemed ready to call it a night at least once before they'd finished the set list, but they coaxed her into finishing the whole thing, which was to everyone's benefit.
| Timothy Finn, The Star
Thanks for reviewing this, Tim. Would have liked to have gone: Ms. Williams is talented.
Posted by: Gary | April 14, 2009 at 12:36 PM