In 2003, over 30 years after leaving a hugely successful career as the mandolin picker, tenor singer, and prolific songwriter for Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys, Paul Williams returned to bluegrass with this outstanding bluegrass gospel CD, Ain't God Good?
Assisting him were the late James King on vocals, Adam Poindexter on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle, and Jason Moore on bass. As with most gospel recordings, the vocals are the standout. Williams and King are as perfect together as Williams and Martin were back in the day.
The vocal perfection is especially evident on "With the Church I'll Fly Away," "Jesus Had Rose From the Dead," "Saved Through Jesus' Blood," and "I Don't Know What I'd Do". Every one of these tracks has the bluesy edge and soul fire that listeners have come to expect from hardcore, traditional bluegrass gospel.
Williams' songwriting chops hadn't deserted him, either. He wrote seven out of the twelve tracks on "Ain't God Good?" Among the strongest are "Church Will Be Home", which speaks of a time when church won't be just another building or activity, but the place where we live in unimaginable joy and complete fulfillment.
Williams presents plenty of Biblical and lyrical evidence to answer the question "Ain't God Good?" He confesses his dependence on God in "I Don't Know What I'd Do", while giving listeners the ultimate weapon against the slings and arrows of daily life.
Worthwhile work form other writers gets equal play here. Roger Porter's "Jesus Had Rose From the Dead," which recounts the whiplash emotions that Jesus' disciples experienced through His death and resurrection, is one of the most compelling tracks.
An equally fascinating story from the Bible is told in "Paul's Ministry", about the mighty apostle who started his religious career determined to snuff out Christianity.
The classic "Two Coats" from Ralph Stanley takes Williams in an uncharacteristic direction with spare, almost harsh mountain-style harmonies.
"Ain't God Good" is a stunning comeback from one of the true legends of bluegrass.
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