Get in the Boat

The Jeanette Williams Band

Home Bio Contact Music Photos Press Kit Schedule Grass Tank Music Links

CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK

Get in the Boat

Get In The Boat

The Jeanette Williams Band

Bell Buckle Records, 2003

Many thanks for sending us a copy of your latest CD, an inspired all gospel masterpiece if there ever was one. You all have chosen some wonderful tunes and have written a couple of gems which you sing with power, passion, conviction and authority. There's a sincerity and beauty to the project that I seldom hear in bluegrass sacred music these days - a fine testimony to your Christian walk. I was especially moved by "Will Your Name Be Called," "Father's Hand" (what a killer song!), "Lift Me Up," "Got My Walking Shoes On" and, of course, the two from Tom T. & Dixie. Congratulations on a magnificent job that's guaranteed not only to entertain and edify and encourage as well. I'll be playing the heck out of it. Dave Higgs
Bluegrass Breakdown
Nashville Public Radio

1. Get In The Boat listen
2. Will Your Name Be Called listen
3. Are You Trusting In Sweet Jesus listen
4. When The Harvest Has Come listen
5. Father's Hand listen
6. Golden River listen
7. Come Morning listen
8. There's Only One listen
9. Consider the Lilies listen
10. Got My Walking Shoes On listen
11. Mama's Sunday Ride listen
12. Lost Highway listen
13. Is Your Heart Right With God listen
14. Lift Me Up listen

The following review is by Joe Ross, who has several CD reviews here. The one below is also posted here.

Successful bluegrass gospel releases are typically undertaken by bands once they've established their sound and band members have become very comfortable playing with each other. The Jeanette Williams Band, from Virginia, originally formed in 1989 as "Clearwater." but changed their name in 1996. The band features Johnny and Jeannette Williams, who were married in 1991. Johnny is an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, as evidenced by "Will Your Name Be Called," a song which he says "poses some important questions." Jeanette also writes and her composition, "Father's Hand," speaks to having the heavenly Father's outstretched hand to lead and guide her.. The current band was formed by the Virginia Folk Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year in 2001. Joining Jeannette and Johnny are Marsha Bowman (banjo, mandolin, vocals) and Stephen Fraleigh (fiddles, vocals). "There's Only One" features Bowman on bass and Fraleigh on guitars. While Jeanette proficiently handles most of the lead vocals, "Consider the Lilies" showcases Bowman's lead singing.

This project offers some fine gospel music that is sure to lift your spirit and soothe your soul. "Get in the Boat" also includes songs from Tom T. and Dixie Hall, Bo Jamison, Mark Matthewson, Jim Marshall, Joe Hemphill, Cadillac Holmes, Lee Lawson, Norman Wright, and David Whitaker. Some traditional tunes (Come Morning; There's Only One) round out the set.

Jeanette has a unique vocal style that is lyrical, fluid and passionate. Recent awards from SPBGMA and recognition in Bluegrass Now magazine have helped to further launch her music career. Johnny Williams was the 1998 and 1999 bluegrass division winner of the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest. Marsha Bowman, a talented multi-instrumentalist, grew up playing old time music with her parents' band, The Slate Mountain Ramblers. An award-winning clawhammer banjoplayer, Bowman's album, First Impression (on Flyin' Cloud Records) illustrates her love for both bluegrass and old-time music. Her clawhammer banjo playing is featured on this gospel album on the minor-keyed "Lost Highway." Stephen Fraleigh appeared on the Grand Ole Opry at age eleven, and he is a former Virginia State Champion Fiddler.

This gospel recording from The Jeanette Williams Band has been long awaited. There is no better message than the message of Jesus Christ, and they thank God for His guidance. They hope that their "musical mission" will lift us up, align our hearts with God, and lead others to Him. (Joe Ross)