Whatever your favorite symbol of comfort might be, it’s probably a good metaphor for the music of Robin and Linda Williams, as long as it doesn’t preclude the possibility that comfort’s warmth might turn into some serious fire. The duo’s been at it for a long, long time, but they’ve got a good deal more energy than you might expect from familiar presences on
A Prairie Home Companion, and Their Fine Group — long-time colleague Jim Watson (bass, vocals) and, on this show, utility man Chris Brashear — know how to kick it when called upon to do so. With a score of albums under their belt, there’s plenty of catalog to choose from, ranging from old-time laments to peppy, surprisingly rockin’ odes to the road. They also promise some new songs from Stonewall Country, a musical — the album’s coming this spring — about Confederate general Stonewall Jackson.
— Jon Weisberger