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Lost Don Williams Tapes Emerge After Decade
25 Mar
Summary
- Unreleased Don Williams recordings from 1979-1984 are now available.
- Tapes were discovered in a Tennessee family basement, hence 'Cellar Tapes'.
- Co-producer Garth Fundis completed the songs using original vocals.
A posthumous collection of Don Williams' unreleased recordings, titled 'Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes,' has been released by Craft Recordings. The songs were originally captured between 1979 and 1984 but were never issued during his lifetime.
These reel-to-reel tapes were literally discovered in the basement of his family's Tennessee home. Garth Fundis, Williams' longtime co-producer, meticulously completed the songs. He brought in former colleagues and bandmates to reconstruct deteriorated musical elements and enhance the tracks, while keeping Williams' original vocals intact.
Fundis explained that the songs were not shelved due to dissatisfaction but because they didn't align with the albums Williams was working on at the time. He believed Williams would be proud for fans to hear these previously unknown songs. The first single, 'Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,' showcases Williams' signature graceful vocals.
Musicians like Rodney Crowell and Keith Urban have lauded Williams' unique voice and production style. His son, Tim Williams, served as the executive producer, emphasizing the project's commitment to honoring his father's production approach. The release offers a sonic time capsule, celebrating the enduring legacy of the 'Gentle Giant' of country music.
