BOZEMAN – “A Prairie Home Companion” favorites Robin and Linda Williams play The Ellen Theatre in Bozeman on Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., in support of their upcoming studio release “Back 40.”
The Virginia-based duo will perform a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country that combines wryly observant lyrics with a wide-ranging melodicism. Some might call it “Americana,” but these two revered music masters were living and breathing this elixir 20 years before that term was turned into a radio format.
Released on Oct. 22, “Back 40” finds the Williams duo celebrating their 40 years as performers with a newly recorded album featuring fresh treatments of their early classics – many from albums long out of print – and favorites by other writers, as well as a new song, “The Old Familiar House on Christmas Day.”
On the record, produced in Nashville by Grammy-winning producer Jim Rooney, the Williamses are backed by the able trio of Todd Phillips on standup bass, Al Perkins on Dobro and pedal steel, as well as band mates Chris Brashear on mandolin and fiddle and Jim Watson on vocal harmony.
“I love listening to them sing this collection of songs,” Rooney says of the album. “Their takes on ‘Urge For Going’ and ‘Boots Of Spanish Leather’ are as good as any I have heard. Pretty damn good to have this freshness and energy after all the years and miles.”
Robin and Linda Williams’ concerts have earned them a huge body of fans over the years, but as gifted songwriters Robin and Linda have also earned the devotion and deep respect of their musical peers. Their songs have been recorded by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, George Hamilton IV, Tim and Mollie O’Brien, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, and The Seldom Scene. They keep a busy tour schedule and also make guest appearances on “A Prairie Home Companion,” where they’ve appeared since the public radio show’s early days.
Visit theellentheatre.com for tickets and more information.
