The Jesse Williams Band, Off the Vine Review

Jesse Williams is a vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter who is journeying through the many blues’ sounds. Williams’ soulful singing has shades of many different roots of blues that create a sound that captures the ear. Based in the north Georgia mountains, she is steadily growing a catalog of blues sounds to keep an avid listener charmed. The Jesse Williams Band is now releasing a five-song EP titled Off the Vine.

Bottom Line: Off the Vine is filled with sounds that will encourage repeated listens. Williams has a beautiful voice, and her guitar playing is raw, passionate, and bluesy. With a mellow vibe, the collection starts with “What Will Be,” a soulful, bluesy selection that shows Williams’ easygoing vocal style. Her guitar playing delivers a stirring guitar solo. “Off the Vine” offers Williams’ wide range and vocal embellishment skills. Her upper register and phrasing will remind listeners of early Bonnie Raitt, and that is a good thang. This cut is a standout, although all five selections have their own charms. “Coming Home” has Williams expressing herself beautifully vocally and musically through her guitar. There are a soulful organ, guitar solo, and Williams emotive lyrics. Would love to hear some tempo variations, as four of the songs live around the same metronomic marking. “Time Is Gone” is a catchy feel that is faster paced with added horns. Williams sounds terrific. Can’t wait to hear more varying tempos and styles from her in the future. In the end, the result is that Williams has a beautiful singing style that is bluesy, expressive, and passionate. Throw in her guitar skills and songwriting, and she is a triple threat. That’s the short of it!