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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWILLIAMS, Victoria(b 23 Dec. '58, Forbing LA) Singer-songwriter. Sang in local groups in her home state and with the Crazy Eights in California; recorded for a Louisiana studio '79 but the material not released. Talent night shows in LA brought her to the attention of Van Dyke Parks, who prod. demos for her; she sang on Peter Case's debut album Peter Case on Geffen '86. Own debut Happy Come Home on Blanco Y Negro '87 incl. musicians such as Peter Blegvad, Carla Bley, Ralph Carney and Greg Cohen (both from Tom Waits's group), with arr. by Parks; the album contained her own material, telling observations on the theme of Southern American life, as well as Rev. James Cleveland's 'I'll Do His Will'. She guested on Bob Neuwirth's Back To The Front on Gold Castle '88. With the Williams Brothers she covered 'Don't Let It Bring You Down' on The Bridge, Neil Young tribute album on Caroline '89, as well as singing background vocal for Henry Kaiser on 'Words'. Her own second album was Swing The Statue on Rough Trade '90; British concerts that year saw accompanists incl. Phil Steriopulos and Roy Dodds (from Fairground Attraction) on bass and drums. She was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis '92, leading to the first Sweet Relief album '93 on Columbia, contributors incl. Lou Reed, Pearl Jam and Soul Asylum, so successful that a fund was set up to aid other uninsured musicians; a second fund-raising venture appeared '96. Third solo album Loose '94 on Mammoth incl. guests Peter Buck of R.E.M., Parks and her husband Mark Olsen. This Moment '95 captured her live in Toronto (her first headlining tour), perfectly capturing her whimsical style, with reprises of 'TC' and 'Summer Of Drugs', as well as the Beatles' 'Dear Prudence' and Kern's 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'. Musings Of A Creekdipper '98 reflected her usual optimism, incl. former Prince sidekicks Wendy and Lisa. |