Singer/songwriter and traditional musician Allison Williams plays old-time clawhammer banjo in a modern context.
A native of the Arkansas Ozarks, Allison got her start as a punk rock musician before rediscovering her musical roots. Several years in the mountains of North Carolina educated her in Southern banjo styles, especially the fast, distinctive styles of Hobart Smith and Wade Ward.
In 2005 she formed the Forge Mountain Diggers, a hard-driving oldtime band, with Freight Hoppers fiddler David Bass. The Diggers toured internationally for three years, sharing stages with the Grascals, Uncle Earl, Rhonda Vincent, Donna the Buffalo, and many other giants of the new traditional music scene.
Allison Williams' solo CD " Give Me the Roses" came out in autumn of 2008, featuring driving arrangements of traditional old-time songs, as well as eclectic originals, woven together by a talented backing band of rising stars: alumni of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Wiyos, among others.
Now based in Nashville, TN, Allison, when not on the road, does live and studio sound, works with Southern folklore, and plays with the Jake Leg Stompers jug band.
Allison will be touring early in 2010 with champion West Virginia fiddler Chance McCoy, appearing in the UK and the Eastern United States.
"Strong original material and brilliant interpretations of classic old time."
- Bluegrass Unlimited (Mar 1, 2009)
"Accomplished and exuberant."
- The Observer (U.K.) (Jan 25, 2009)
"Allison Williams is striking on claw hammer banjo - a force of nature."
- www.americana-UK.com (Jan, 2009)
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for bookings, email
info@allisonwilliamsmusic.com --------------------------------------
My Mama sang "Willow Garden" to me when I was a baby--still one of my favorites. I'd always cry when it come to that "Gallows" part. Thanks for the musical friendship--hope to see you when you're this way.
I just want to thank you for coming by my page. And checking in on me.And for the new people Welcome!!
Since I've been sick the meds they have me on limit what I can do. But I haven't stopped making music because for me music is life. Songs might come a little slower is will posts. But I do care about all of you and you will hear from my as often as I can.
What Question can I ask to empower myself and others? What new thought can I notice now to add to my creativity? How can I improve the experience of those I encounter today? What can I do to facilitate your Gift?
Yesterday Is History Tomorrow is a Mystery Today is a Gift... That's why we call it the Present
