Ready for the Times

Last year, rootsy singer-guitarist Williams (US-born but now resident in the UK) teamed up with violinist Catlow (known for his work with Sheelanagig and Hawes & Catlow), to create Ghost Owl, an entrancing album of instrumentals (reviewed in November 2021, #172). Ready for the Times builds upon the chemistry found on the previous album, but here the duo seem more relaxed, enjoying a selection of songs and tunes recorded live in the studio.

Once again, there are shades of Reinhardt & Grappelli, mixed in with blues, Americana, bluegrass and, on ‘If You Want the Rainbow’, even some 1920s swing. There are only two instrumental tracks so this album is very much a collection of carefully-chosen songs, including compositions by Jean Ritchie, Rab Noakes and Ola Belle Reed. Williams’ laid-back singing voice is strangely reminiscent of 60s country-pop hit-maker Roger Miller, but that’s no bad thing and both musicians show great versatility on their respective instruments. We can certainly relate to the sentiment of the album’s title-track: ‘I’m ready for the times to get better.’