Bill Toms joined Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers as their lead guitarist in 1987 and has recorded six studio albums, including American Babylon, produced by Bruce Springsteen. His credentials speak for themselves. He's a master of all forms of roots rock, from blues to soul, from country to rock ‘n’ roll. Produced by the esteemed Will Kimbrough, Memphis deserves its title. These songs have the city's history imprinted on its tracks, from the warm, thrilling organ coursing through the anthemic “On the Road of Freedom” to the Howlin' Wolf yawp that drives the sweet country-folk of “Hold On.” Gutbucket blues drives “Misery.” “Colleen, Goodbye” is a stirring midtempo track. But Toms is at his very best on the ballads. “I’m Getting Closer,” “Tear This Old House Down,” and “I’ve Made Peace Now” let Toms show off the subtleties in his weathered voice. Also, few folks get more out of a barroom romp than Toms. “Let’s Make a Better World” combines gospel with a honky-tonk fervor that draws comparisons to Leon Russell. “Lord Don’t Take Me Now” propels the band to pull out all the stops.