Joey Williams, On the Road Again

It's 12:30 on a Wednesday morning. Five Time Grammy Award Winner and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Joey Williams has the keen insight from The Blind Boys of Alabama and he is riding co-pilot tonight. After a bigger then life rehearsal for his upcoming show this Friday Joey opened up to me about his life on the road and a revealing portrait of his life through his own words and his own take on who he is from where has has come from. The journey Joey explained to me on our two hour drive back to the Bronx explains clearly why he is essential to the music fans he plays for and the music artists who continue to acquire his talents on collaborative projects from Robert Randolph to future soundtrack work for films. This is a unique night for me to witness the roots of Joey as a music artist, a humanitarian and a friend. Tonight my recording and the interview that took place was as close to a storyteller experience as I have ever had. Joey is the artist and I was the audience.

Williams is sitting in with with Marc Sincavage & Special Guest "The Breakfast" at Skappo (Playright, 144 Temple Street New Haven, CT) in New Haven, Connecticut. The rehearsal was held garage band style in the basement of an Optometrist office in the middle of Hamden, Connecticut. The feeling was relaxed and vibrant. It's just what happens when a local band and a music legend combine in the last place on Earth to play good music. The harmonies were tight, the music was balanced, and the room was hopping to the chicken plucking guitar strings to the heart thumping beat of the bass drum. A Hammond Organ became the cherry on top of this musical sundae sprinkled with the colorful culmination of throw back vibes to current day hit songs. It's not how you play the instrument, it's how the instrument plays you. Remember that folks because this night belonged to the love of music and not for the free meals of candy stashed in the upstairs containers of the eye doctor's office of where we hid from the outside world.

The feel on the drive home had a different feel, but over all Joey and myself sat back to the sounds of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash who collaborated together for a VH-1 story teller concert some years back. It's the kind of CD that never gets old and the where stories become fairy tales of days gone by. "On the Road Again" started to play and Joey grew excited in the seat as a husky Pete passed out in the back from too much something-a-rather. Just the sounds of mumbles and how Willie Nelson was talking to him through the music caught my ear in between my own personal momentary lapse of reality. The movie in my mind played over and over again. A looping picture of my soul's mate walking towards me in the hallway of the JFK airport terminal. The smile of smiles, the embrace of embraces, and the start of my new life some seventy, yes seventy, pounds lighter. "..and I just can't wait to get on the road again." The song ended and I pressed record on my digital recorder and what happened next was my first deep interview for backstage blogger. An up close and truly personal insight to one of today's most talented guitarists, Joey Williams.

"That used to be one of my mottos. I used to be serious about that tune. I lived that song right there. I remember when the song first came out. When I was growing up and I was on the road. I hadn't been home in a long time from being on the road and I would start singing that." Joey explained to me just before breaking into song, "...and I can't wait to get on the road again." I asked him what is his road was and where his road was bringing him to. He sat back in his seat, pressed his head back on the head rest and with a deep sigh said, "The road was a place to travel on to get to my friends and my family. Back then we weren't traveling around the world. Traveling around the world came later. Back then we were just traveling around the country. We traveled on 95, 85 (Joey laughed lightly), all over the place." Joey's traveling started at the early age of eleven when he was living in Florida. He would travel with his father's quartet, he would perform on stage with the band, and that is initially how he started his life on the road. It's been a grandiose road with collaborations and fill in cameos with such incredible musicians such as Robert Randolph, Dave Hollister, and Keith Sweat. His family life on the road exposed him at an early age to the various cultures, the mindsets of the people, and the ability to grow up with no boundaries through his music. "My mother and father would take us down to the Wilson, North Carolina area where my family and I would spend our summers being a family. That was my road back then. Today it's about playing in the church and always listening to music."

Unlike some music artists, Joey's family is still alive for the most part. His mother and father have shared each step of his success as did his siblings. He recounted one of his aunts who passed some time ago and how her passing was short of the success. She was one person who he hoped would be alive to witness his contribution to the music world. Joey also brought up another person who he says would have truly appreciated his talents. "I also wish my father-in-law could have seen the success I have made at this point and what I have been able to build for my wife." His wife attends a majority of his shows and she is very fond of Joey and his talents from the times I have shared with her backstage. Being on the road with out your spouse can be tough and does come with its own challenges, but Joey's love and dedication to his wife keeps their relationship moving in a forward direction where so many music artist relationships have fallen apart. His passion for his music is essential and the inspiration he has for his wife is apparent through his music and a few glances from stage to her when the connect in their own personal moments. His smile brightens as their eyes meet and its a beautiful moment which I have caught from time to time when I'm not fixed on getting that next shot on camera.

Joey exercises his guitar skills like a man running a triathlon. Each day he wakes up and empowers his soul for music by practicing and looking deep with himself to learn new techniques of playing better then he currently is able to. This is a daily ritual developed from the mind of a five time Grammy award winner who flows through life feeling good and keeping positive. "I have like six statues (5 Grammy Awards and 1 lifetime Achievement Award) in my home from my music. You don't realize it until you start talking about it. It's special and I love saying it. I'm a Grammy Award Winner. I worked really hard in the studio with everything I have and for that dedication, and the band's ability to remain on top of their game, we won the awards we have with great respect from our musical peers. This band has achieved so much after so long of putting in its time, its energy, and its blood. I remember the first time we earned our first Grammy. It was me and Jimmy (Carter). When our name was called we all just stood up on the middle of the floor and we could not believe it. It was the most incredible feeling that I couldn't even begin to describe. The following year we were all sitting together again and we were so nervous as we were the year prior. The feelings I had inside were just like the feelings I had racing through me on our first nomination. We even went to the awards with Robert Randolph that year. Robert was nominated for two Grammies and we were nominated for one. We won another award for our category that night and it was like a double treat. We played and we won our third Grammy Award. The following year was number four with Ben Harper. Even after five wins the feeling doesn't get any less intense and I am always nervous as I felt the first time we were nominated. It's like each time the Yankees win another world series. It never gets old. Just I do."

Joey is a simple man with a very focused goal. To be the best at what he does. His ability to pick up the guitar each day is a blessing that has been bestowed upon him with a higher purpose then to pluck strings or to entertain music fans for a dollar. He brings out the best emotions from out of his fans who depend on his energy and stage presence for warmth of comfort of feeling good in their lives. Joey's musicianship talent expands over a decade and has touched millions of people over the years. He still dreams of a time to collaborate with such music icons as Sting, Mary J Blige, and his mentor, Stevie Wonder. What Joey would bring to their music is a flavorful root that is untapped and unheard by anyone they have partnered with. His ability to capture the moment is done effortlessly with the highest regards from the music industry. There is no project too big or too small for him and he is on the brink of becoming a legend in his own ranks.

"We recently went to San Francisco to do a few songs for a documentary with Anthony Hamilton and some other artists. We are heading back to the states after our world tour with the Preservation Hall Jazz. It's an incredible experience coming from being a kid from the Bronx with a guitar and a dream to be able to see the world on tour doing what I love each day, and if I could do one thing before I leave this Earth I would like to do a duet with Stevie Wonder. It's a dream I have had that ever since I was a kid. I look to Stevie as a mentor because if you are able to do what he has done and to accomplish the level of success he has achieved, then you have to give credit where credit is due. Stevie is the man and a music artist I look up to with the highest respect. He's proven himself and you just can't go wrong following in his footsteps."

Joey Williams. A name that shouldn't be new to anyone living above a rock. Joey will continue to play music until the good Lord brings him home. He will continue to march forward and develop his legendary status. There are so few music artists who can paint a room in music as Joey has done time and time again. His free spirit will keep him fresh and keep his music fresh, anticipated, and exciting when it is created. The life and future that will pour out of him in the years ahead are going to massive and it will be the loss of a music fan to not drown there heads in the cleanly baptism of Joey's music. Where there is bright light, warm reception, and love there will be Joey Williams on center stage with his fender in hand plugged into an amplifier ready to blanket you with music in its purest form. It doesn't matter if it is in a seedy bar or in a major venue, Joey keeps himself in check and the music he creates and performs doesn't portrait a man who knows he's accomplished the near impossible. He is a true music artist who plays for the love of playing and nothing less. I'm proud to call Joey my friend and I'm blessed to have had this time in our car ride to learn more about how two people can share the same passion for music on and off the stage. Joey Williams. Wow!

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, CREATED ON THE 7TH DAY

Where words don't succeed, music speaks and it was the Blind Boys of Alabama who have a spiritual agreement through soulful harmonies to honor God and the permissible delights of each individuals soul. The Blind Boys are on the brink of a new album release titled "Duets" which includes collaborations with such music icons as Lou Reed, John Hammond, Jr., and Toots Hibbert. The album also includes feature performances with Ben Harper, Timothy B. Schmitt, Randy Travis, Bonnie Raitt, and Jars of Clay. The album will undoubtedly lead the group to its sixth grammy award and continue to give the Blind Boys of Alabama the vision of making a broken world a better place through their music. Joey Williams, Blind Boys Guitarist, called me three hours before show time to join him at the show. Without a second to waste I jumped into my car and raced (55 MPH) to the City Winery in New York City.

My friends, as I have mentioned in past articles, you will never ever have a full understanding of the treasures that are hidden in New York City because as soon as you think you have seen every venue and been to every restaurant you are smacked in the face by, yet, another venue that out does the last one. Let me tell you that the City Winery is my new "King of the Mountain." The sound, the atmosphere, and the staff provide you with a truly rich, tasty, and impressionable experience that has exceeded my expectations. The venue prides itself on the original private label wines that are made on location and the menu which diagrams which wines will accompany your chosen dish best, but enough about the food and venue. The Blind Boys of Alabama were bringing their Sunday best out tonight headlining a double bill with good friend John Hammond, Jr..

John Hammond, Jr. opened the evening with an acoustic set of his blues music that reflected on his exposure to such influential artists as Muddy Waters , John Lee Hooker, and Duane Allman. His barrelhouse singing style captures your attention and digs deep into your imagination of days gone by and the ties those days have on the day at hand. His commercial success maybe moderate but his fans are strong and dedicated. He has earned the respect from the likes of Robbie Robertson, Charlie Musselwhite, and other musicians who he has contributed his talents to. From coffeehouses to major venues, festivals to major tours, John Hammond has shared over forty years of playing the blues, folk and rock music to the world. His love for playing is how he has been able to continue his success and it's his life. His latest album titled "Rough and Tough" is his thirty-second album since his initial release in 1962. The recording of the album is historical in itself because it was recorded in St. Peter's Church in New York City due to the acoustics that the Episcopal church contains.

Tonight's performance highlighted John's best songs and showcased his ability to transition easily between his National Steel and Stubbs 6-String guitars all the while singing and playing the harmonica. The Grammy winner and four-time nominee, unleashed his acoustic river flow with beauty. His persistence to play the blues, as he did this night, attracts young artists such as a young German man who just moved from Germany to achieve his own American dream of being a successful musician. John's talent and technique are unique to his authenticity and anyone who loves blues music will find John traditional to the definition of blues. His respect to the blues is inevitable and because of his dedication the art of playing the blues is inherent.

As quick as John Hammond walked on stage it seemed his set was over, and the excitement began to build again with anticipation of the headliners. The current opened and from out of the corner came Jimmy Carter, Billy Bowers, Ricky McKinnie, and Ben Moore hand over shoulder and one behind the other in a parade of the blind leading the blind. The beauty of their entrance was how without sight they sense how much they bring to people who are blind in their own ways and proving that you don't have to see in order to visualize beauty. What the Blind Boys lack in physical vision they capture and express more so through their four working senses and it was handed to the audience when Jimmy Carter grabbed his mic and shook the room with his raspy voice and raw emotions.

The night included performances of "Perfect Peace," Take My Hand," "Amazing Grace," and "Free At Last" and other classic hits. Jimmy, Ben, and Billy sat front row in incredibly robust pinstripe suits and the dark glasses which brand their unique gift to deliver new insight to those who think they can see. I shared my table with a woman who, like me, felt a change in my soul thanks to our first revival and introduction to Blind Boy Baptism. The power of God raised the boys from their seats and a concerned Joey Williams frantically worked to control the situation by tapping the shoulders of each singing member to sit, but the song kept the men standing up and shaking the goodness of the glory out from their contained bodies and the audience felt the good and plenty pouring out as came off their seats during the high energy performance of "Free at Last." Jimmy Carter even found his way off the stage and into the audience who all reached out to get one touch of Jimmy's healing powers. When the song was over and the members were tightly gathered on stage, the night exhaled and I found myself thinking to myself what a day I had.

What started off as an unpredictable day made complete sense to me. You can't control the world and what life has planned for you because at the end of the day you may think you can see what will happen next, but a blind man from Alabama may just prove to you that you really can't see any more then he can and with that I found with in me to not predict the future and to accept that life will continue to unfold it's story and I'm to just live each day better then the last. I found a bible verse that would sum up my night with the Blind Boys of Alabama and it goes something like this.

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery for the blind, to set the pressed free." In my perspective tonight the Spirit was in the City Winery and in the state that our economy has fallen into I have some news to the poor. The Blind Boys of Alabama are here to remind you to be free, to see the meaning of life, and to enjoy what you have now and not what you don't have tomorrow. Listen to the music, go see one of their shows, and rediscover your soul because this is a revival you are not going to want to miss.