Cal Williams returns for another Fringe and another trip down the Blues lane at the rustic but intimate venue of the Wheatsheaf Hotel. This show centered on the blues of the Mississippi masters, Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Minnie to name a few. Williams was backed by a solid rhythm section, although this reviewer wondered as to their necessity, as these bluesman spent their most important and formative years as solo artists, just acoustic guitar and voice. In particular the drums were too loud, making it difficult to focus on Williams’ very fine guitar playing.

Despite this quibble, it was another fine Cal Williams show, with Williams adding some background to the songs, but not too much, giving context to these great blues songs and augmented with his distinctive playing and guitars. There was no doubting Williams skill, with all songs enhanced with fine but lengthy excursions making this a show to enjoy.

Michael Prescott