Something Breathtaking This Way Comes
The odds were against Joy Williams and John Paul White meeting up. That’s exactly what happened when both singer/songwriters ended up at the same writers camp. Some talented folks were brought together to produce some songs for the radio and as luck would have it Williams and White met up.
On the duo’s official website White describes the way they connected as artists as a “weird spark” that he hadn’t felt before with other writing partners. And “The Civil Wars” was born.
They’re not a traditional band by any sense. They’re a duo, they come from different musical roots (Williams had pop inclinations, White was a little bit country), their music is stripped back and they rely heavily on their impeccable vocal harmony.
One of the first of their creations to gain notoriety was “Poison & Wine” when it aired in its entirety on an episode of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” It’s a remarkable song that captures the light and dark of a troubled relationship. The lyrics are memorable and cutting in the sweetest way. The surprising thing is that Williams and White aren’t a couple; they sure sing like one.
I wasn’t completely enamored with “The Civil Wars” until I saw them performing on Q with Jian Ghomeshi. You can listen to Jian’s interview with them here.
Or watch this.
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