Williams"s eighth record presents 13 warm acoustic-guitar instrumentals that reveal a slew of musical influences while never straying from the guitarist"s understated style. Williams finds inspiration in songs from an array of artists, including Beethoven, Brazilian pop star Caetano Veloso, American bluesman Jorma Kaukonen, Brazilian accordionist and archivist Luiz Gonzaga, and reggae great Toots Hibbert, whose "54-46 (Was My Number)" is a highlight here. His original compositions draw from the wells of Delta blues, English folk, and even West African kora. Those who seek fire and grit may find Williams"s playing a bit tepid, but fans of quiet, intimate, unobtrusive guitar will appreciate Little Lion for its grace and Williams for his unerring technique and taste. --Marc Greilsamer