Jamie Williams And The Roots Collective
Album: Good Times
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.jamiewilliamsandtherootscollective.co.uk

I first became aware of Jamie Williams And The Roots Collective when the played Hylands Park as part the entertainment that accompanied the Olympic Torch Relay. I guess they were playing to about fifteen thousand people and it would be fair to say, they definitely had the audience on their side and I'm also guessing a lot of that audience wouldn't classify themselves as blues fans.

As the title of their recently released album, "Good Times", indicates the reason for that is because they play straight forward, uplifting blues rock with a populist bent and they do it well. This is not a band that's going to get deep down and dirty or draw out ten minute epics with two minute solos, nope Jamie Williams and co with their lighter, Americana, soul tinged sound are much more about that crossover sound that reaches for the wider audience.

All of the classic blues elements are there. They are more than capable of the guitar solos, they have an incredible gob iron blower, the vocals and harmonies are right on the button and most importantly you can feel the passion for the music through the songs.

Songs like "Don't Cry" shows that they can do the slowly, reflectful material, that gets you in the heart and they balance it well, with the higher energy up-tempo numbers that will, almost obligatory, get the fingers drumming and the toes tapping.

"Good Times" is just that, an enjoyable album, no pretentions. Jamie Williams And The Roots Collective have an album that's easy to enjoy, so why not do it?

Neil King