As the guitarist in Emmylou Harris's Nash Ramblers, Jon Randall thrilled audiences with his clean and exemplary playing and his angelic harmony vocals. Only 23 when he shared a Grammy for Harris's live At the Ryman, Randal... more »l went on to stake his own claim, with uneven results. Willin' is his third album (on his third label) in five years, and while it lacks a certain cohesiveness--and occasionally, as on Lowell George's title cut, suggests that he might not have the personality to be a front man--it's chock full of great rootsy musicianship, from both the pickers (Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Kenny Vaughan) and the vocalists (Kim Richey, Lorrie Morgan, Harris). Randall's marriage (to Morgan) was coming unwound as he recorded much of this, and the tracks that trace that pain ("Can't Hurt Anymore," "Sweet Lorretta," "Blew Me Away," and "Lonely Street") throb with barely contained emotion. At those moments, Willin' shines like a just-discovered jewel. --Alanna Nash« less
As the guitarist in Emmylou Harris's Nash Ramblers, Jon Randall thrilled audiences with his clean and exemplary playing and his angelic harmony vocals. Only 23 when he shared a Grammy for Harris's live At the Ryman, Randall went on to stake his own claim, with uneven results. Willin' is his third album (on his third label) in five years, and while it lacks a certain cohesiveness--and occasionally, as on Lowell George's title cut, suggests that he might not have the personality to be a front man--it's chock full of great rootsy musicianship, from both the pickers (Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Kenny Vaughan) and the vocalists (Kim Richey, Lorrie Morgan, Harris). Randall's marriage (to Morgan) was coming unwound as he recorded much of this, and the tracks that trace that pain ("Can't Hurt Anymore," "Sweet Lorretta," "Blew Me Away," and "Lonely Street") throb with barely contained emotion. At those moments, Willin' shines like a just-discovered jewel. --Alanna Nash
"Jon Randall isn't a country singer, he's an artist. His songs are haunting, he's amazing with a guitar, and his voice is beautiful. Buy Willin', then look for What You Don't Know, his 1995 release on RCA."
These tracks touched my heart
11/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was so touched by this CD. Jon sings from his heart. He is so talented and his song writing is brilliant. I hope he makes at least one video from this selection. I've seen 3 previous videos he made and enjoyed them so much. The man is gorgeous."
Willin to Bet
John D | Lake Forest, IL USA | 01/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jon Randall will be huge! Willin is a showcase for his talent and mindset. Hope his 2005 CD has the same feel. He is the next Vince Gill, with a little more pain. In that context, Willin will be a collectors cd."
HE SHOULD BE AT THE VERY TOP OF THE CHARTS GIVE HIM 6 STARS
T. Cordonnier | seraincourt France | 09/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music is pure gold,it reached me by luck in France ! a very delicate country with extremely good vocals and arrangements, a quite original music that I would 100 % recommend to anyone liking sounds like Everly brothers or such vocal experts (but more modern, he is young...).This is at last quite different and original compared to too "standardized" country we hear on the radio.If I hear this voice and this style, I will know this is Jon within a few seconds ! this is how you can recognise best true and original talents !
To complete the dream, recording is just perfect,I really wonder why we do not hear his records everywhere. Come on Amazone ! bring us more cds by this strong and remarkable artist I just saw on the web that he had 3 cds produced and you offered me two (god, one more ordered today!!)but most of all,
Go on Jon and keep trust in you, your music is real gold for those who got the chance to hear it ! a few days ago you reached France...you know this is a long way...Thierry Cordonnier"
Jon Randall - Willin'
leeskey | Arizona | 06/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A friend lent me his copy of this and insisted that I listen. I was very impressed, bought my own copy and wondered why I had never heard of Randall before... he should be at the top of the charts. This is a terrific nuevo country record (shouldn't really be slapped with the country stigma). Do yourself a favor - pick this C.D up!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
