"Essence" (Island/Def Jam/Lost Highway) was produced by Williams and Texas musician Charlie Sexton. Williams is debuting the album's first single, the title track, on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on June 4.

"Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" (Mercury), Williams' previous release, earned her the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Williams contributed a rendition of "Angels Laid in My Way" to "Avalon Blues" (Vanguard), a Mississippi John Hurt tribute album due out on June 14. The album also features contributions from Beck, John Hiatt, Steve Earle and others.

Australian singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers is supporting Williams on the tour. Chambers is wrapping up work on her second full-length album, "Barricades and Brickwalls" (Warner Bros.), due out this summer. Williams, along with Buddy Miller, Paul Kelly, Matthew Ryan and the Living End make guest appearances on Chambers' album.