Hank Williams Album: “Alone With His Guitar”

Description :

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Solo performer: Hank Williams (vocals, acoustic guitar). Compilation producers: Colin Escott, Kira Florita. Recorded between 1949 & August 1952. Includes liner notes by William Gay and Colin Escott. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. A revelatory collection of songwriting demos and rare early solo radio appearances, most of which had never appeared in un-dubbed form until 1998's complete Williams box set. Highlights include an early take on "Honky Tonk Blues," with an extra verse that didn't make it onto the hit studio version, an eerie cover of the Sons of the Pioneers' "Cool Water" (one of the few cowboy songs Williams ever recorded), and a run-through of "Kaw-Liga," with several false starts and some studio chatter. Bonuses on the enhanced portion of the CD include a screensaver, a link to the official Williams website, some brief audio clips of Williams and his ex-wife Audrey, plus lyrics and photos.

Many of the other reviews say that this is targeted towards hardcore Hank Williams fans and it shouldn't even be on the market and Mercury records dosn't care about the fans and blah blah blah. Well this is the first Hank Williams record I have ever bought and I think it's excellent. I am a fan of good folk music and this is a great album featuring a single man with a soulful voice alone with his guitar, and that is all that really matters. So give it a listen if you like Woody Guthrie, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, or anybody else by the likes of them. Forget Mercury records, forget the attempt to cash in on Hank Williams; just listen to his incredible songs.

It's interesting to see the mixed reviews from knowledgable fans. I've gotten into Hank Williams only this past year. I bought this set because I wanted exactly what its title promised: solo acoustic peformances. On that count, it certainly delivers, and only a couple tracks suffer too-poor sound quality, though I don't mind much since I'm used to listening to rough prewar blues recordings. Whether this collection could be stronger, I don't know, but I can appreciate the skeptical scholar's general point of view; for example, as a Bob Dylan fan/freak, I'm often dismayed by what he and his record company choose to package/re-package/re-re-package as his "best" or "essential" or whatnot. So in sum, as a "newbie" or "casual fan," I'm happy with this set in all respects: performances (apart from a couple sketchy recordings), packaging, liner notes, extras--I guess Mercury's marketing ploy worked for me! But maybe as I explore more of his body of work, I'll discover in retrospect the failings of this collection.

I have come full circle after hearing this on Itunes, I ordered it for one tune. I say this as I did not call myself a fan of his before. When I played it, I was so impressed with his style of playing the guitar. Hearing this has brought me to being a big fan and I have learned to play and sing many of his songs although a far cry from his style. Those folks back then knew he was a great musician and now I appreciate his music. If there are any more like this with just Hank and guitar, I want it!!!!

I got this cd and listened to the whole thing. I really loved it. The cd is very clear and the songs are all good. I believe in taking this cd for what it is, which is a collection of some rarely heard Hank songs. If you're a fan of his "40 greatest hits" then I would recomend this. Hank doesn't disappoint.