Press

NEW CD RELEASE BY TERRY "BIG T" WILLIAMS ON MATT THE SCAT RECORDS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Matt Blumert
Matt The Scat Records
mblumert@comcast.net

NEW LABEL RECORDS AWARD-WINNING MISSISSIPPI BLUESMAN;
INAUGURAL “BIG T” ALBUM SLATED FOR MARCH 2010 RELEASE

February 17, 2010 (Clarksdale, Mississippi) –

On the heels of his 2009 “Best Guitar Player of the Year” award from the Bay Area Blues Society, Mississippi bluesman Terry “Big T” Williams is slated to release a brand-new album on a brand-new label in late March. Entitled “Jump Back, Big T’s in the House,” the CD will signal a new phase in Williams’ storied musical career.

“Big T is a phenomenal musician and unforgettable performer,” says Matt Blumert, founder of Matt The Scat Records and executive producer of the upcoming CD. “I met him during a visit to Clarksdale last year, and from the first note I heard him play at Ground Zero Blues Club, I knew I just had to get him into the studio. He is a living link to the rich history of Delta blues, but he’s managed to update the sound for 21st Century ears. He really has to be seen and heard to be believed.”

More information about the new album as well as photos from the recording session can be found at www.terrybigtwilliams.com. A bit of his personal and professional history can also be found on the new web site.

A veteran of both stage and studio, Williams began his blues career as one of “Mr. Johnnie” Billington’s now legendary students in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

“Mr. Johnnie didn’t stand no fooling around,” remembers Williams, laughing. “He was all business when it came to blues music, and I really learned from that.”

Eventually, Williams toured with the infamous Jelly Roll Kings and became a regular in the North Mississippi blues band scene – performing with recording artists Big Jack Johnson, Wesley “Junebug” Jefferson, Big George Brock and many others. He also scored occasional spots backing such blues luminaries as Albert King, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Cedell Davis.

“I’ve been lucky to have learned from the best,” Williams admits.

In summer 2009, his luck continued. After a successful season of club and festival gigs, the Bay Area Blues Society’s West Coast Hall of Fame came calling on Terry “Big T” Williams. His West Coast concert dates in recent years had brought him to the attention of the area’s movers and shakers, and he was presented with the blues society’s prestigious “Best Guitar Player of the Year” honors.

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Following up on the attention garnered by this award, Matt Blumert chose Williams as the first recording artist for his newly founded record label, Matt The Scat Records.

Aiming to capture Williams in his hometown, just five minutes from the “Crossroads” of Highways 61 & 49, Blumert booked a recording session at the recently completed, state-of-the-art Clarksdale Soundstage recording studio.

“I’ve seen Big T play for years in and around Clarksdale,” notes Gary Vincent, the studio owner and sound engineer on the session. “He’s a local guitar hero and a favorite of the tourists who visit the Delta from all around the world. We were very pleased that Matt chose our facilities to capture such a true blue talent.”

Vincent’s recently released George Thorogood DVD is currently nominated for a Blues Music Award (BMA), and other recent projects he is involved with include sessions with Elvin Bishop, Jimmy Thackery and Smokey Smothers. John Magnusson, formerly of Electric Lady Studios, co-engineered the Williams CD.

“Jump Back, Big T’s in the House” was mastered by Motown legend Bob Ohlsson, known for his past work with Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Grateful Dead and Rare Earth.

“Look, Big T has played festivals from Clarksdale to St. Louis, Chicago to Seattle. He is a force to be reckoned with,” says Blumert. “Our hope is that this album will help take him to the next level. The talent, fire and drive are there. 2010 should be the ‘Year of Big T.’”

Williams’ new CD, “Jump Back, Big T’s in the House,” will hit the streets on March 23rd. Clarksdale’s Ground Zero Blues Club will host a special CD Release Party three days earlier on Saturday, March 20th. More information at www.groundzerobluesclub.com.