Upon pressing play, Tiffany Williams releases a soulful Appalachian vocal that eases through the speakers playing “When You Go” EP officially released today. “When You Go” is one to be added to any music collection that seeks simplicity and authenticity of life in eastern Kentucky.

“I love Appalachia as I love myself,” she says, “with an intimate understanding of its shortcomings and virtues, with compassion and forgiveness, and with fierce hope. It’s home and always will be, but, for me, it took moving away to write about it.”

One of the most unique aspects is that most of the songs were produced at Appalshop, the historically significant media partner in Kentucky history that portrays our history through film and music. Furthermore, in addition to being an excellent songwriter, she has won awards for her fiction writing. One of those prestigious awards was the 2011 Jean Ritchie Fellowship for Appalachian Writing. As many know, Jean Ritchie has been influential on both Appalachian music, as well as research and writing.

As Tiffany Williams performs each selection of the songs on “When You Go,” you learn to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of home in the Appalachian Mountains. The title track reflects on the community that her family grew up in before coal mining and how it changed due to the mines. There is also the doubt and fear of the world outside of the comfort of home.

“Big Enough To Be A Mountain” provides the sorrowful haunting vocals of a love no longer there. Then when “You Were Mine” proceeds to play, it is a heart-wrenching song that incorporates the trouble of drugs and alcohol onto a loved one. Not only does it affect the person abusing substances, but also the ones around them. You can truly feel the sorrow felt in the heart of Tiffany Williams as she sings. Then there is hope with the track, “The Waiting,” as the sun rises up releasing a new day of life.

In the end, the album concludes with “When I’m Gone.” The gut-wrenching song comes from the perspective of the singer passing away. She wants to make sure all of the funeral arrangements, song selections, and words for people she leaves behind. Tiffany Williams concludes with the lyrics, “I had more good days than bad. Make sure that you tell them that. And tell them that they did all they could do. Know that wherever I am, I’ll be missing you too.”

If there is a true reflection overall of the beauty and soul of Appalachia, Tiffany Williams has showcased it with “When You Go.” Her vocals have a slight hint of Suzy Boguss and Holly Dunn, but she has made them her own.

For more information on Tiffany Williams, be sure to check her out online at www.tiffanymwilliams.com.

Jessica Blankenship

Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.

www.kentuckycountrymusic.com