Still Bill
Bill Withers came into his own on his third album, Still Bill Released in 1972, the record is a remarkable summation of a number of contemporary styles: the smooth soul coming out of Philly, smoky, late-night funk via Bobby Womack bluesy Southern soul and '70s singer/songwriterism It's rich, subtly layered music, but its best attribute is that it comes on easy, never sounding labored or overworked. In fact, it takes several spins of the album to realize just how versatile Withers is on Still Bill to hear how he makes intricate, funky rhythms sound as effortless and simple as the album's best-known song, the gospel tinged inspirational anthem "Lean on Me." That's the genius behind Withers music: it's warm and easily accessible, but it has a depth and complexity that reveals itself over numerous plays -- and, given the sound and feel of the music, from the lush arrangements to his comforting voice, it's easy to want to play this again and again. Then there's the quality of the songwriting, which is as assured on the grooving "Lonely Town, Lonely Street" as it is on the suspicious, paranoid "Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?" or "Use Me," where he happily submits to being used by his object of affection. This high level of songwriting is sustained throughout the record, making this the greatest testament to his considerable gifts. [The 2003 reissue contains two bonus tracks from his Live at Carnegie Hall album.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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Credits »
Steven Berkowitz - A&R
Joseph M. Palmaccio - Mastering
Leo Sacks - Reissue Producer
Hal Wilson - Original Photography
Howard Fritzson - Art Direction
Darren Salmieri - Artist Coordination
Triana DOrazio - Packaging Manager
Bill Withers - Original Recording Producer
Bill Withers - Producer
Lisa Buckler - Product Manager
Raymond Jackson - Original Recording Producer
Raymond Jackson - String Arrangements
Raymond Jackson - Horn Arrangements
Raymond Jackson - Producer
Tim Morse - Design
Milton Sincoff - Packaging
Michael Mendel - Art Direction
Joel Whitburn - Chart Preparation
Phil (Boogie) Schier - Remixing
Phil (Boogie) Schier - Engineer
Maurice Joshua - Product Manager
Bob Hughes - Engineer
James Gadson - Original Recording Producer
James Gadson - Producer
Melvin Dunlap - Original Recording Producer
Melvin Dunlap - Producer
Benorce Blackmon - Original Recording Producer
Benorce Blackmon - Producer
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