A few years ago I came across a copy of Gallivantin’ by William C. Beeley. An incredibly sought-after, privately-pressed singer-songwriter record from San Antonio, Texas. At the time I described it by writing, “Self-produced and released on a label called North Park Records, Gallivantin’ has actually drawn comparisons to Bob Dylan, whose “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” was recorded by Beeley and included as the first track on this record. There is a bit of a country feel to some of the numbers, but it’s still a somber affair. It’s not as hopeless as Bob Desper or Dave Bixby, but there is definitely an undercurrent of failure. It is an entirely solo effort; all one hears is Beeley’s voice and his guitar.”
Since many connoisseurs of homemade albums already knew about Gallivantin’ long before I did, I’m not surprised it took six months for me to receive ONE single comment about that post. Alas, when someone finally spoke up and commented about it, the author of the comment was none other than Will Beeley himself. I was quite surprised (and maybe a little skeptical) to see his name appear in my inbox, but after reading his comment I decided that I’d write to him and offer thanks for his words and praise for his musical achievement. Will wrote, “Hi, Thanks for the very nice review on the album. I recorded it almost 40 years ago (January/February 1970) and it surprises me every time I see or hear of any interest in it. Only 200 copies were pressed and I guess that’s what surprises me the most. With only that many copies pressed I’ve heard from people in Europe and all over the country–it makes me wish I had pressed up more copies. And to think I sold it from the stage and out of the back of my car. I 
did recorded a second album called Passing Dream in 1977 & released in 1979 with a company out of Jackson, Ms named Malaco. I recorded it with a great 5 piece studio band–pretty much live and with very little over-dubbing and all cut in a week. I seldom write or play anymore—but with the Gallivantin’ album fetching as much as $900 I might start again—hell I’ve still got a sealed copy. If you’d like a copy of the Passing Dream album, send me a mailing address and I’ll look for a clean copy for you–I don’t have that many left. Thanks again for the review and interest. Will.”
Obviously I wrote to him, and we traded e-mails back and forth for a couple months. During that time he sent me both a copy of Passing Dream (signed) and a CD of the record along with unreleased demos he recorded in 1982. Although I’m not sure if I am allowed to post the demos without Will’s permission, hopefully someday they will see the light of day. Until then, we fans have Gallivantin’ and Passing Dream to keep us company.
Will Beeley
Passing Dream
(Southern Biscuit – 2302, 1979)
A1. Standin’ At The Station
A2. Sailin’ With You
A3. Tell Me How Are You
A4. I Can’t Pretend Much Longer
A5. I Don’t Know What I’m Into (But I’m Into You)
B1. Rainy Sundays
B2. Circle
B3. I Saw Jesus Peekin’ Thru A Hole In The Sky
B4. Passing Dream [MP3]
B5. As The Darkness Of The Heavens
