A Time for Every Season
Virginia-based bluegrass trio Shelton & Williams are keenly aware of the power of time. They titled their 2022 album project So Much Time, So Much Love from a line in the Crosby, Stills, and Nash’s iconic “Wasted on the Way” on that album. They chose the title for their second album A Time for Every Season from their rendition on Pete Seeger’s classic “Turn, Turn, Turn,” popularized by the Byrds in the 60s. For their new project, as on the last, they put their own stamp on familiar songs, played alongside the pure bluegrass tracks that complete the album.
Jeanette and Johnny Williams have long been a force in the bluegrass world, both as a duo and individually, racking up awards and recognitions for their vocals and songwriting. Jay Shelton started his career in bluegrass in the 70s and 80s before shifting for a time to the rock world as a band front man and as a solo singer-songwriter but returned to the bluegrass scene in 2019.
The group was born as a trio after playing together and discovering the magic of their dynamics as Shelton’s rich baritone trades leads and shares harmonies with Johnny’s high lonesome tenor and Jeanette’s powerful vocals. With influences outside the bluegrass world, such as the songs of Guy Clark, and his songwriting chops, Shelton brings another layer to the Williams’ established bluegrass sound.
The new album showcases the trio’s wide range, while planted firmly in the bluegrass world. Jeanette carries the lead on the opening track, doing “Carolina Time,” in “a cell that’s in [her] mind.” Clyde Bailey’s upbeat banjo on the song provides a contrast to the next track, “Blue Nashville Night,” a more plaintive song written Johnny Williams on which he sings lead, reinforced by Jeanette’s harmony and Shelton on guitar. The lyrics evoke images of the lonelier parts of Music City, with departing passenger trains on rainy nights. Johnny also sings lead on the somber “World of Forgotten People,” penned by Loretta Lynn.
Jeanette Williams’s vocals set the tone for “Baby I Just Do,” a simple love song she also wrote. Her versatility is showcased on “Take Me Back,” in which she sings of looking death in the face and merely wishing to return to her mountain home. The band released a video of this single to coincide with the album release.
The concept of home runs as a thread through the project. The song “Home,” written by Shelton and his sister Linda Burton, asserts, Home is where the heart is; It’s everything I’ll ever need. Another stand-out track on the project is “I’ve Made It Home.” A reference to the heavenly home, this original a cappella gospel number written by Johnny has the feel of an old hymn. It evokes all-night singings at tent revivals from the early twentieth century. The track features Johnny’s sparse, chilling vocals, as Jeanette and Jay add harmonies with a light touch on the verses, coming in strong on the refrain.
A Time for Every Season showcases the best of Shelton & Williams, a taste of what fans enjoy in their live shows. The song selection and the blend of tradition and originality deliver a high-caliber bluegrass listening experience. The closing track, “The Door Is Always Open,” with Shelton singing lead, presages more good music to come.
