Personnel: Linda Williams (vocals, guitar, banjo); Robin Williams (vocals, guitar); Linda D. Williams (vocals, guitar, banjo); Garrison Keillor, Jim Watson, Kate MacKenzie (vocals); Clay Jones, Pat Donohue, Steve Gulley (guitar); Kevin Maul (dobro); Barry Abernathy (banjo); Mike Seeger (autoharp); John Niemann (mandolin, fiddle); Jimmy Gaudreau, Adam Steffey, Peter Ostroushko (mandolin); Andy Stein, Jim VanCleve (fiddle); Richard Dworsky (piano, organ); Arnie Kinsella (percussion).
Additional personnel: Kate McKenzie (vocals); Michael Cass (pedal steel guitar); John Nieman (mandolin); Greg Hippen, Jim Watson, Gary Raynor, Jason Moore (bass guitar); Clay Jones, The Hopeful Gospel Quartet, Their Fine Group, Guy's All-Star Shoe Band, Garrison Keillor, Jimmy Gaudreau, Adam Steffey, Mike Seeger, Mountain Heart, Pat Donohue, Andy Stein, Peter Ostroushko, Richard Dworsky, Steve Gulley, Barry Abernathy, Jim VanCleve, Arnie Kinsella, Kevin Maul.
Audio Mixer: Chris Frymire.
Liner Note Author: Linda D. Williams.
Recording information: Charlottesville Performing Arts Center, Charlottesville (04/01/1995-11/05/2005); Chrysler Hall, Norfolk, VA (04/01/1995-11/05/2005); Filene Center, Wolf Trap Farm Park, Vienna, VA (04/01/1995-11/05/2005); Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN (04/01/1995-11/05/2005); Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN (04/01/1995-11/05/2005); Town Hall, New York, NY (04/01/1995-11/05/2005).
Photographers: Melinda Sue Gordon; Daniel Zimmerman.
Arrangers: Garrison Keillor; Richard Dworsky; Linda D. Williams.
Radio Songs collects 19 performances from harmonious husband and wife folk legends Robin & Linda Williams, all of which are culled from the riches of Garrison Keillor's popular NPR radio program A Prairie Home Companion. The duo first appeared on the show in 1975, and while the selections that populate Red House's Radio Songs compilation may only reach as far back as 1993 ("Other Side of Town" with the Hopeful Gospel Quartet), the timelessness of both the music and the show itself keeps everything awash in the same sepia-tone glow. Fans who are already familiar with the duo's impressive repertoire will love having a copy of the live versions of longtime favorites, but many of the tunes on Radio Songs were performed only once, making this essential listening for devotees of both APHC and Robin & Linda Williams. ~ James Christopher Monger
Professional Reviews
Dirty Linen (p.56) - "[A] terrific assortment that showcases the range of Robin and Linda Williams' abilities, from folk to gospel to 40s pop..."
No Depression (p.76) - "Like Keillor's show, these spirited readings often seem delightfully anachronistic."
