As I sat down to perform my dutiful task of reviewing this week's batch of CDs, I didn't dare think I'd find my future epitaph within the title of Chuck Williams new release Smart Too Late, Old Too Soon. Rarely am I moved by a record during the mundane process of removing the cellophane. However, the profound title grabbed me instantly, and my enthusiasm was only heightened once I began listening to the track and the ensuing songs throughout.

The Ohio-born, Berkshire resident has steadily been gaining critical acclaim throughout New England songwriting circles, and has even earned several awards for his finely tuned craft. Employing a voice that resembles Neil Young's with the edges rounded-off, Williams is far more than simply a folk singer. His singer-songwriter style is circuitously culled from various influences, though he does not rely too heavily on any one technique. On some tracks, Williams and his studio compatriots form tightly knit harmonies reminiscent of Peter Paul & Mary. And yet on others, the vocal and backing arrangements resemble a Blood-On-The-Tracks-era Dylan. That aside, Chuck Williams is by no means a retro-act. The recordings are fresh sounding and uniquely his own.

As alluded to earlier, the title track “Smart Too Late, Old Too Soon” is particularly potent. This haunting refrain laments the life of a solitary soul who clearly didn't live life to full potential: “Throughout his life there were seeds to sow, Something to stand back on that would grow and grow - But the only thing he left was written in this tune - He was smart too late and old too soon.”

There seems to be a proud and strong tradition of folk music speaking truth to power. Sadly, the rock world appears to no longer have the inclination to express contrary opinions on geopolitical affairs (unless you count the Dixie Chicks…and I don't). However on another song “On The Line,” Chuck Williams does just that, while broaching the topic of warfare, and more specifically the young fighting the wars of the old: “He joined in ’68 to bypass the lottery, sounded stupid then but the choice was free - didn't take long before he was upon that plane - this was the real deal, not no war game...His son left in ’03, had no lottery - His uncle told him be all that you can be - Men and women all have gone, sadly not the last - when will this world put war in the past?”

Lest I leave you with the false impression that Williams' musings are all dark in nature, I offer the closing track, “Ya Gotta Call Now,” as evidence to the contrary. With tongue firmly in cheek, Williams sings a cynical, sardonic ode to capitalism: “All of the focus is on sales to sealed - let's sell it all, it's the best deal ... on TVs, microwaves, photographic memories, stereos, gas grills, vacuum cleaners on the go, gold rings, silver rings, rings with baubles, other things…Full price, half price, two for one, ain't that nice.”

With a great deal of humility, Chuck Williams describes this, his third CD release as "just me and my guitar." Clearly Smart Too Late, Old Too Soon is so much more than that. Anyone who invests the time to absorb the minimalist musical approach with maximum lyrical content will not be disappointed.
Don MiMuccio, Motif Magizine

I've been driving around today with the CD on & I gotta say right now my favorite tracks are the tile track "Smart Too Late, Old Too Soon" and "Heart Sing." You are playing some real cool guitar on the title track my friend. "Heart Sing" reminds me of John Denver. I think you've got a winner here with this CD. Way to go!!
Dan Moraski, guitarist, ‘Bennie & the Jets’ .

Chuck, I just wanted to congratulate you on an excellent project. Your production values were outstanding. well thought out arrangements. Thank you for the opportunity to here your work.
Kevin Desabrais, guitarist/songwriter, ‘One Hand Clapping’

We like the title of your CD, too true….”and then you have to die” Junior Walker. Natural sound to this recording…seems like everyone was on the same page from the players to the engineer….good work… “Intimate connection between you and what you’re singing about is the highlight " on the song Heartsing..
Taxi, Independent A & R Company

Americana, but not in the Old Glory sense of the word, but Musical Tapestries that convey the spirit of an America that existed in days gone by.  It has some of the same energies of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, CSN and definitely Neil Young, while not sounding like any of them.  There is something here that a lot of people are going to latch on to, especially in these trying times.

Raven Cusson, graphics design.

While visiting a local venue recently I was handed an all-originals CD by a committed folkie who apologized for its embellishments. Doubtless some clown had told him it was "overproduced"; perhaps accurately, by today's usage. All I could tell was that it sounded great... obviously more than some think it had a right to.

Nappy Martin, Singer/Songwriter/Musician

 The music does exactly what it is suppose to do.....It reaches emotions in the listener.  It gives words to feelings we all share and provokes thought long after the CD is over.  His style is unique yet it feels familiar.  One of my favorites in my collection!              Kelly Anne Tearney, KXFM