Williams muses at Ark show

"Rejoice in this moment / and many hereafter / sweet and holy be the sounds of your laughter," sang Victoria Williams this past Thursday at the Ark, setting the tone for the evening by opening with "Let It Be So." She penned the joyful, celebratory song for her sister's wedding; it appears on her new album, "Musings of a Creekdipper" (Atlantic).

Joining Williams were her husband, ex-Jayhawk Mark Olson, Mike "Razz" Russell, the fiddler and mandolinist known for his work with the Jayhawks, and musician Joe Henry. The three comprise the Original Harmony Ridgecreek Dippers, an informal group which recently released an album only available via mail order.

Courtesy of Atlantic Records Victoria Williams brought much musical emotion to the Ark last Thursday.

The trio was backed by a full band, including a cornetist, keyboardist, drummer and two guitarists. The small Ark stage was crowded with so many musicians, microphones, amps and instruments that the performers could barely move.

This lineup changed constantly throughout the evening. Williams played two or three different acoustic guitars, a red Stratocaster, banjo, harmonica and piano. Olson, a rhythm guitarist with his former band, stayed almost exclusively with the electric bass on this evening, but also played acoustic guitar, harmonica and conga drum.

Instrument-swapping was only one symptom of the playfully informal atmosphere. From her place at the center of the loose configuration of seated performers, Williams' usual bubbly personality radiated a relaxed confidence. She talked and joked casually with the crowd and happily complied with requests.

And though the atmosphere was loose, the performances were unerringly tight. The large band made the songs live and breathe onstage as they shifted easily from the folksy back-porch feel of "Humming Bird" to the impressionistic majesty of "Periwinkle Sky" and "Kashmir's Corn." Cornetist John Birdsong was the evening's most pleasant surprise, but the tried-and-true did not disappoint: Russell's nimble mandolin and understated fiddle, not to mention Olson's familiar vocals, were highlights.

REVIEW
	Victoria Williams The Ark March 28, 1998

Olson's much-anticipated return to the stage on this tour has proven little more than a cameo appearance, and Thursday's performance was no exception. He eschewed the spotlight and shunned his old, well-known material, taking the lead only for a beautiful "Valentine King," a rambling duet version of "Humming Bird," and a subdued "Run With the Ponies." All three songs appear on the Original Harmony Ridgecreek Dippers album; a much different version of "Humming Bird" can be found on Williams' new release.

Olson's reticence placed the focus squarely on Williams - and indeed, he seemed happiest when she was singing or when the crowd was cheering her, as they did often. Williams' struggles with multiple sclerosis are well-documented, and on this night Olson exuded a protective sense of concern and care for her.

Olson's adoration of Williams was equalled by that of the crowd. She is a transfixing, charismatic performer; her magnetic - and often unpredictable - persona demands attention.

A key ingredient in the easy chemistry both within the band and between the performers and the audience is the relationship between Williams and Olson. Their love for one another is clear and their joy at playing together apparent.

The set closed with a rousing version of "You R Loved," a soulful tune from Williams' 1994 album "Loose." After a standing ovation, Williams returned for two songs - "Imagination" and "What A Wonderful World" - in which, accompanied only by the piano, her charmingly unique vocal stylings took the fore.

Then, rejoined by the full band, Williams confirmed the magic of the performance with emotional, transcendent versions of "Grandpa in the Cornpatch" and "Blackbirds Rise." Together, the two pieces captured the essence of the evening, balancing a stark realization of mortality with a reverential faith in the simple but profound power of love and happiness.

03-30-98