Geoffrey is an amazing solo performer born and raised in England, now living in Daylesford and working around Ballarat. He has released a number of LP’s in the 80’s and 90’s including:
- Heroes, Spies & Gypsies – Atlantic Records
- Prisoner of Love – Atlantic/East West
- Bare – EMI/Giant Records
- The Drop – Hands on Records
- Move Into Soul – Oyster Music
You can find out more about Geoffrey here: http://geoffreywilliams.wordpress.com/
Yes is the answer!, released in 2011, is an amazing expose of Geoffrey’s soul, not only his musical soul, but also his metaphysical soul. This album takes us on a journey through Geoffrey’s life, opening with his highly recognisable sound in “Ain’t Got No Soul”, and progressing through Religion, Pilgrims and onto the anthem-like Nation, all the way through the 11 tracks ending up with the ever hopeful “Ray Of Sunshine”. His sound is consistent, soulful, and thoroughly smooth.
I think the most amazing (think I need a thesaurus) thing about the music is that it is all Geoffrey, all at once. For those unfamiliar with Geoffrey head over to you tube and search for “Short Song On The Fly” you will quickly understand what I mean 😉
Borrowing from a number of his early influences, this album uses back beats, layered vocals, clean guitar and strong bass lines with some funky synth woven in, to construct a sound more commonly associated with bands like Booker T & the MGs, The Funk Brothers and the various James Brown backing line ups.
“My Mother’s Cooking”, tells the story of leaving his home in England and ending up 10,000 miles away in Australia and how the one thing he truly misses is his mothers cooking…. read the metaphor of his mothers (and families) love and support. While dealing with such heartfelt and sad lonely material, his delivery is outstanding and makes this song just jump off the CD and into your heart.
“Feed Me” brings in one of his favourite performers influence, well Geoffrey’s take on it anyway, Stevie Wonder. The sublime and sensual keyboard line, backed with a popping bass, place the listener in the mind set that this is a young Stevie producing music in his bedroom before he was discovered. I can not think of a higher compliment for this track.
“Wonderful” is poppier(? is that a word?) than the rest of the CD in my ears, but you may have your own take on it. Yet as soon as the keyboard driven bass line kicks in, it takes you into a higher place and lifts your soul and does make you feel Wonderful, inside and out!
“UBU” continues with the pop feel, and ups it a notch or two for the dance floor. I think iTunes has Geoffrey listed under Dance, not a bad thing, but does limit the chance purchaser looking for something new and less electronic and American.
“Soul’s On Fire” and “Ray Of Sunshine”, round out the CD and don’t let you down. I think the only thing that lets this CD down is that it is not long enough! More, I say, and keep them coming!
In my humble opinion, an amazing CD, so well crafted and composed, Geoffrey Williams has not only lived up to the hype, but far exceeded it! would say this is a must have for any collection, but really it is not for collecting, it is for listening to with the volume up and your dancing shoes on! Yes Is The Answer!, I don’t care what the question is other than, do you have this CD?????
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