Successful bluegrass gospel releases are typically undertaken by bands once they've established their sound and band members have become very comfortable playing with each other. The Jeanette Williams Band, from Virginia, originally formed in 1989 as "Clearwater." but changed their name in 1996. The band features Johnny and Jeanette Williams, who were married in 1991. Johnny is an accomplished guitarist and songwriter. as evidenced by "Will Your Name Be Called," a song which he says "poses some important questions." Jeanette also writes and her composition, "Father's Hand," speaks to having the heavenly Father's outstretched hand to lead and guide her.. The current band was formed by the Virginia Folk Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year in 2001. Joining Jeanette and Johnny are Marsha Bowman (banjo, mandolin, vocals) and Stephen Fraleigh (fiddles, vocals). "There's Only One" features Bowman on bass and Fraleigh on guitars. While Jeanette proficiently handles most of the lead vocals, "Consider the Lilies" showcases Bowman's lead singing.

This project offers some fine gospel music that is sure to lift your spirit and soothe your soul. "Get in the Boat" also includes songs from Tom T. and Dixie Hall, Bo Jamison, Mark Matthewson, Jim Marshall, Joe Hemphill, Cadillac Holmes, Lee Lawson, Norman Wright, and David Whitaker. Some traditional tunes (Come Morning; There's Only One) round out the set. The title track debuted at #1 on the Bluegrass Now Gospel Truths chart and remained in the top five for many months.

Jeanette has a unique vocal style that is lyrical, fluid and passionate. Recent awards from SPBGMA and recognition in Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Now magazines (9/04) have helped to further launch her music career.  Johnny Williams was the 1998 and 1999 bluegrass division winner of the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest. He was featured in the July, 2004 issue of Bluegrass Now. Marsha Bowman, a talented multi-instrumentalist,  grew up playing old time music with her parents' band, The Slate Mountain Ramblers. An award-winning clawhammer banjoplayer, Bowman's album, First Impression (on Flyin' Cloud Records) illustrates her love for both bluegrass and old-time music. Her clawhammer banjo playing is featured on this gospel album on the minor-keyed "Lost Highway." Stephen Fraleigh appeared on the Grand Ole Opry at age eleven, and he is a  former Virginia State Champion Fiddler.

This gospel recording from The Jeanette Williams Band has been long awaited. There is no better message than the message of Jesus Christ, and they thank God for His guidance. They hope that their "musical mission"  will lift us up, align our hearts with God, and lead others to Him. (Joe Ross)

THE JEANETTE WILLIAMS BAND - Get in the Boat
Bell Buckle Records BB014
www.jeanettewilliams.com
Playing Time -  40:32
Songs - 1. Get in the Boat 2. Will Your Name Be Called 3. Are You Trusting
In Sweet Jesus 4. When The Harvest Has Come 5. Father's Hand 6. Golden River 7. Come Morning 8. There's Only One 9. Consider The Lilies 10. Got My Walking Shoes On 11. Mama's Sunday Ride 12. Lost Highway 13. IsYourHeart Right With God 14. Lift Me Up