Album Notes

Sharrie Williams & the Wiseguys

‘The best example of century 21 blues!’

Latest since her 2002 performance at the Blues Estafette in Utrecht, Holland, Sharrie Williams is producing a lot of attention in Europe. Her live shows are incredible. She’s such an impressive performer, soulful, loud and quiet. She easily handles the whole spectrum, from a whisper to a scream. Within a couple of songs she’s got the audience on their feet. Influenced by Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Etta James she loves to sing gospel, soul, blues, and rock. In the USA she’s called the Princess of the Rockin’ Gospel Blues '" and that title fits pretty well. Her CrossCut studio debut reflects her musical diversity. The title track is a mighty rocker. You’ll believe her when she says that she’s a hard driving woman! But you’ll also get slow and soulful ballads with a personal message, gospel, slow blues, shuffles, and even some funky tunes. Sharrie’s right there in the middle. She’s got a great young band, featuring the superb guitar player James Owens and a rock-solid rhythm section. We feel that Sharrie’s one of today’s strongest discoveries. She’s soulful, passionate, sweet, angry '" and most of all, she’s always herself. I know you will love her too. Her new album Hard Drivin’ Woman was recorded in Ann Arbor (Michigan, USA) and produced and mixed by Michael Freeman. He used her regular band, no gimmicks, no studio cracks. This is wonderful handmade music, straight from the heart.