#Growns just in time for the weekend and this change in the weather here(on the East Coast) comes “Helping Hand” the debut single from the Bo Williams album hw Welcome Project . A story anchored by the lament of the chorus “All you ever needed was just a helping hand…” “Helping Hand” gets right down to the heart of the matter, a grown type of matter if you will. The ego, the ignoring, the moving on it’s all in here. Bo Williams’ vocal captures the essence of facing the four walls all by your lonesome as the cinemascope of a failed romance is the featured attraction in the theater of your mind.
“Helping Hand” sonically is soulful as soulful can be. The interplay between the rhythm section replete with organ swells, guitar pulls, the warmth of a Rhodes, slinky bass and stomp and clap drums has me missing my mama’s country ham, grits and rolls. It’s that pulling up in the driveway slowly after a tense Sunday drive type with a significant other who’s feeling more other than significant type soul, if you can understand that particular state of existing.
So #Growns go ahead and get up on this sound from Bo Williams that I know you are gonna dig. “Helping Hand” from Bo Williams out now.
Ivan Orr is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and writer. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia Ivan was involved with the forming and nascent days of The Music Resource Center as its first Program Director. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music, Ivan currently resides in Richmond, VA where he maintains an active performance and production schedule while serving as the Music Editor for Grown Folks Music, a position he has held since 2010.
Ivan…you have such an evocative way with words, that there was no mistaking I was gonna feel this song. Phrases like “the lament of the chorus” and “the cinemascope of a failed romance” had me itchin’ to listen. But nothing you wrote could have prepared me for Bo Williams’ beautiful, pure vocals. Every introspective note he sang broke my heart….in that yearning, broken-hearted way you *want* to feel sometimes. And sonically…I just can’t improve on your description. The music envelopes Bo’s vocals and makes the journey complete. “Helping Hand” is a breathtaking song on every level. This is the first time I’ve heard Bo Williams…it definitely won’t be the last.
Why thank you so much Nikki for your kind words regarding my writing. I count it an honor to hear something and then provide a few thoughts that might spark an interest in a musical creation. I too was struck by the sound of Bo’s vocals and so pleased to hear that you were too and will be checking for him in the future as will I. Your feedback means a great deal around these parts!
Ivan!!!! I’m always nervous and excited to find out there is a review from you because you shoot straight from the hip, which is why I trust your opinion, as music editor. Not only did Bo take us there in telling this story with his voice, you nailed it in telling the story in your own your words. Thank you so much for taking the time to review our song and give the feedback you gave! Merry Christmas!! TANN #comeoncountryhamgritsandrolls
Hey there Tann! Always a pleasure to hear what you all are cooking up! Really and truly. Thank you for your kind words as I do strive to be a straight shooter. Bo def. took me back home… Merita Bread, Cheerwine and all that. Merry Christmas to all of you!