Have a good time

Joe Williams - Together

Here I go again! The blugh blog continues with this fantastically fun album by Joe Williams and Harry “Sweets” Edison.

This shit swings! Joe Williams is super enjoyable, the arrangements are cool, and the songs are short! 23 songs comes in under an hour.

This is the first album I listened to after returning to California after a month long trip to Brooklyn, NY. My experience in New York was full of great music played at a very high level that never really made me feel anything other than respect for the technical achievement that was on display. There was a seriousness that I personally express from time to time but too much seriousness and I grow weary.. At one venue I was told to leave my phone in my pocket, pay attention, don’t talk, and remain seated. The band was introduced and then the band leader got on the mic and, somewhat obliviously, asked, “How are you all doing tonight? You having a good time?”

Some conversations with friends and new aquaintences in New York centered around the possibility of making music that was in service of people and community while maintaining craftsmanship and the opportunity to be expressive. Simply put: play music that feels good to play and listen to (like really good… happy even). This album really excited me when I heard it because I felt like I was given an awesome example of this ideal I was trying to imagine.

There are many highlights on “Together” for me:

“Winter Weather” blew me away. It’s the first song on the album and it sets the tone. Fun, loving, swinging, simple, satisfying.

“Deep Purple” is a beautiful example of a yearning heartbreak ballad.

“I Won’t Cry Anymore” I think is the first time I’ve heard this song. Another heartbreak ballad with a great solo by Harry Sweets Edison.

“Moonlight In Vermont” is just one of my favorite tunes ever. I love a simple horn section accompaniment and guitar fills.

Happy listening!