Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Back in 1951, country music legend Hank Williams was at the top of his game and, amidst a touring schedule and associated lifestyle that would ultimately lead to his untimely death at the age of 29 two years later, he remarkably found time to record numerous 15 minute shows for a radio station called WSM. Due to his touring commitments, these broadcasts often had to be pre-recorded and, until recently, these recordings lay undiscovered. The compilers of this landmark release have done an excellent job in polishing up the 54 tracks that feature over three CDs to a point where they're almost a match for his studio work. Hank and his Drifting Cowboys backing band are evidently in relaxed mode as they introduce some of the songs or congratulate themselves at the end of a take and there are some undeniably historic moments such as Hank explaining that the rendition of the now classic "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)" that he's just about to play is in fact the first time he's performed it publicly whilst his musings on death right after "The Pale Horse And His Rider" are eerily poignant with hindsight. Interestingly, Hank tends to favour old gospel standards for much of this release and only very occasionally visits more commercial numbers like "Hey Good Lookin'" and "Cold Cold Heart". In fact, massive hits like "Lovesick Blues" and, strangely given the title of this collection, "I Saw The Light" are not featured but that doesn't seem to matter given the quality and freshness of the material on offer. A DVD is also included in the package with Jett Williams - a daughter that Hank never met - explaining briefly how these recordings came to light and, in more detail, how she came to prove that the country legend was in fact her father. A slightly awkward interviewer, Jett chats to Don Helms and Big Bill Lister - band members who were present at the WSM recordings - about their recollections of the sessions and their still raw memories of the great man. Recorded in an empty barroom with all concerned sitting at a table, this part of the package feels somewhat low budget and a discovery of this magnitude surely deserves an in-depth documentary featuring a lot more context, detail and flourish.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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