Artist description Texas based singer/songwriter/guitarist delivers eclectic "message music", combining folk, pop, country, blues, Indian-Bluegrass and roots music, creating her own unique blend of sound..

Artist History Best known for writing Music with a Message, Texas-based singer/songwriter Beth Williams’ unmistakable, soaring vocals and artful lyrics are the powerful combination that give her that extra edge which spells success. Austin Americana says Williams is "blessed with a beautiful singing voice that has the dynamics to go from a whisper to the full power of cathedral bells." Beth’s unique approach and creative abilities as a guitarist set her apart as she builds an eclectic bridge between folk, Americana, country, blues, pop, and roots music, making her one of Texas’ most promising talents. Of her latest CD, In This Old House, the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS AND NEWS says " No sappy writer, no overt heartstring tugger,Williams instead is the kind of person who walks on the sunny side, uses common sense, sees the glass as half full and finds the silver lining in dark clouds." Voted one of the10 Best Austin Albums of 2001, MUSICAUSTIN.COM says "Several of the songs on this album feel like a celebration, in fact with many messages of hope and encouragement delivered with upbeat good cheer". Buzz Marcos of TAYLOR GUITARS adds "Beth’s songs are innocent.... experienced.... beguiling.. .insightful.... Her name and the title of this album should be spoken by every record reviewer in the country." Born on Ramey AFB, in Puerto Rico, the nomadic life of the military led her family to Pakistan, the Philippines, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Okinawa twice, all before she turned 17. Moving to San Antonio at the beginning of her senior year in high school, Beth graduated and began her musical career, touring Texas, military bases, and overseas. Although still living in Texas, her musical journey eventually led to recording in Nashville, where she was embraced with her debut, First Class. Charting three songs in BILLBOARD right in the middle of Steve Warner and Roseanne Cash, Beth was nominated by the ACM as Best New Female Vocalist of the Year. Wanting more artistic control, and "voice" in her own music, she walked away from her recording projects and relocated with her family to the hill country near Mason, TX. She soon released One Empty Chair, which was recorded "live" in the studio in one day. This CD charted on Gavin and solidified Beth’s place in the Texas music scene. The AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN writes that Beth is "not likely to lose momentum on her fast-lane track to full-scale national name recognition" and describes her as being "securely in control of her own destiny" while MUSIC ROW states that Beth "writes about things that are real and heartfelt" and according to the TAOS NEWS "it boils down to the ‘worth a listen’ category." Beth writes, sings and releases her songs on her own record label, Willow Creek Records, named after a peaceful creek that runs through Mason County, Texas, from the isolated hills of the Edwards Plateau. From an attic converted to a loft, in a 1937 German farmhouse, Beth and her friends not only run the record label, packaging and sending out CDs, but are also an in house booking / publicity team making radio calls and promoting her music. "We do the same thing an in-house publicity/artist development agency owned by a major label does, except we do it all on a shoe string, singer/songwriter budget", Beth laughs. By taking complete control of her own musical path, Beth has been able to decide the direction in which her career will move, as well as stay grounded and focused on the importance of family and home. Along with touring, she continues to build her fan base through her E-mail list and web site (bethwilliamsmusic.com) Beth met Lloyd Maines and Terri Hendrix at a songwriters workshop. Equally impressed with her breathtaking vocals, powerful songs, and strong work ethic led to their decision to produce her CD, In This Old House. Lloyd Maines, the most sought after producer in Texas says " Besides the obvious, great singer and guitar player, Beth Williams bares her soul in her songs and her performance" with Terri Hendrix adding that "Beth has a voice and talent that is totally breathtaking". Beth’s incomparable musical craftsmanship, as well as her remarkable capacity as a lyricist provides a truly eclectic experience so moving that, while it may not change the heart of the country purist, or the hard rock fanatic, it will give them pause for reflection and surely touch something in everyone who hears it. Bill Conner of KNBT in New Braunfels, TX says " Beth’s songs are not written as much as crafted, her soaring vocals add just the right amount of electricity". Beth’s creation of a work of art, as you will see, transcends all the traditional musical borders. But, you’ll have to hear it to believe it. "Beth is an accomplished guitarist who writes crisp,meaningful lyrics" says Sam Kindrick of ACTION MAGAZINE. "Her work is an amalgamation of spirituality, hope, recovery, real love, ecology"One has only to listen to her words and voice as they soar like a hawk , to understand that she brings her heart, soul, and the depths of her personal experiences. "It’s important to me to use my musical gifts and abilities to help those around me through the songs I sing and the message those songs deliver," Williams says. That attitude is apparent in the special music and exercise programs she developed for the elderly. Nursing Homes, Retirement Centers, and Hospitals have been able to use her music to further healing. Martha Leight, Activity Director at The Summit in Austin, Texas says "Watching the 10 year love affair between Beth and the residents, the smiles, awakening of memories and toe tapping to her music has brought many a tear to all who work in long term care." "Beth’s thoughts are constantly to help patients" adds the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Austin. She continues to work with the elderly when not touring, the power of her music to heal and uplift transcending age and station. Beth’s musical achievements have been many. Along with having a #1 Hit in the Independent Charts, she was voted "Best New Female Performer" by INDEPENDENT NEWS. Beth’s songs have been on numerous compilation Cds, including 2 songs on WESTWOOD MUSIC (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2) , and a song on DUSTY RECORDS, "Rockin’ at the Barn" (Vol 1 and Vol. 2.) One of her songs was released in an Independent Film, JANE WHITE, and another of her songs was recorded by New Yorks Marie Burns of the Burns Sisters. Even though she is quickly approaching total musical success, Beth knows there is still a long road to travel. Along with running her record label, her schedule continually becomes busier, playing clubs, concerts and festivals across the country. With confidence, pride and hard work, Beth Williams will do what it takes to be the best at what she does. At one point, she doubted her talent and ability, but now she knows that she can do anything she sets her mind to and she is reaping the fruits of that labor. As a composer, Beth writes with a poetic beauty coming from within, captivating audiences with her divine voice, giving her heart wings and soul lips. "Ms. Williams’ infuses her music with the lessons and fallout from her search for life’s meaning, her search for the path to peace and harmony" writes Rockzillaworld while the Music Connection admires that " her spirituality shines through with optimisim in the message." In the rising tide of Texas music, Beth rides the wave with her hauntingly beautiful voice, accompanied by intriguing guitar , cutting her own unique, individual path, following her passionate call to music on this passionate journey of song.

Instruments Guitar/Vocals

Albums In This Old House

Press Reviews "Williams latest disk, In This Old House, produced by LLoyd Maines and Terri Hendrix and released on Williams own Willow Creek Records, is a collection of songs that make people feel good. No sappy writer, no overt heartstring tugger, Williams instead is the kind of person who walks on the sunny side,uses common sense, sees the glass as half full and finds the silver lining in dark clouds. She's able to translate that optimism into songs such as "Voices", songs that do more for self-esteem than any six pop psychologists. And to boot,you can dance to Williams work." San Antonio Express and News " In This Old House offers up 12 original Beth Williams songs. This woman has great pipes and the songwriting talent to go with them. Beth Williams has alot of things to say.....The title song is a chatty yet beautifully sung celebration of the goodluck of finding love. Several of the songs on this album feel like a celebration, in fact,with many messages of hope and enouragement delivered with upbeat good cheer. However, she's not blind to the darker side of life. as 'This Farm' proves with its admonition, 'city man, get your city hands far from this farm, go back where you belong.' The lament in 'A Ladder I Can Climb' sounds utterly genuine as she pleads, 'throwme a line, send me a ladder I can climb'. 'The Girl' has a definite 'this sure ain't Nashville ' quality, with effects that you might expect on an Ani Defranco album. To top off the album, thee is a bonus track sung in Chinese by Jamie Wu. This is a multi-demensional album worht the listening." MusicAustin.Com "Beth's songs are not written as much as crafted, her soaring vocals add just the right amount of electricity to each track. When you hear her psychedelic yodel-chants onTrack 5, you'll laugh out loud and be hooked for good." Bill Conner, KNBT, Hill Country Hayride, New Braunfels, TX "I'll bet if Oprah had a Record of the Month Club, Beth Williams 'In This Old House' would surely be on the recommended list." William Michael Smith, Rockzillaworld "Besides the obvious, great singer and guitar player, Beth Williams bares her soul in her songs and performance. This is a brave and good thing." Lloyd Maines "On the new CD, she is at her best on the songs with a little bit of an edge. When she takes her country onto the bluesy side, that edge creates a wholeness - the dark with the light- that helps her shine as a performer." Buddy Magazine

Location Mason, Texas - USA

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