Victoria Williams

Americana blossoms into eccentric desert flowers in the hands of singer-songwriter Victoria Williams, whose infrequent but much-anticipated albums mine Appalachian folk, blues, Neil Young-ian folk-rock, country waltzes, and show tunes, all delivered with a wide-eyed sweetness and humanity that reflects strong spiritual beliefs. Although Williams had been recording acclaimed albums since 1987, she found her greatest fame as the subject of the 1993 tribute album, SWEET RELIEF, whose proceeds helped to pay for medical treatment after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Her health improved, and she has since gone on to start the Sweet Relief charity that aids similarly afflicted musicians without health insurance. She also continues to record, and she plays out frequently in her home town of Joshua Tree, California.