Old Ways & Old Paths
In the '50s and early '60s, singer, songwriter, and mandolin great Paul Williams served in formative bluegrass bands the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers andJimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys. Since leaving Martin's classic ensemble in 1963, Paul Williams's self-appointed mission has been to spread the bluegrass-style gospel, and though nearly every bluegrass artist worth his salt gives an occasional tip of the hat to gospel, Williams lives and breathes it. With his powerful, ringing tenor and the equally rousing yet polished harmonies of the Victory Trio, Williams brings fierce conviction, along with a touch of righteousness and didacticism, to these 14 stark, old-timey spiritual testimonials. On both familiar tunes--likeVince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and the traditional "Beulah Land"--and more obscure songs--such as "The Great Beyond," "I'm Not Afraid to Cross That River," and "His Blood Is on My Soul"--Williams and company proudly extol all the sacrifices, travails, fears, and triumphs of the Christian way.--Bob Allen