Keller Williams
Biography
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Keller Williams is literally a one-man jam band. His fascinating live shows feature him solo on-stage with a Gibson Echoplex Digital Pro looping unit, and he creates his backing loops in the moment, building and improvising as he goes on his custom-made ten-string guitar, and thanks to his equally as quirky, upbeat, and semi-surreal songs (which he frequently weaves into extended, half-improvised medleys) and his warm, friendly tenor singing voice, Williams is an utterly unique performer whose musical eccentricities don't keep him from being immediately accessible. A native of Virginia, Williams received his first guitar at the age of three, although he admits he didn't really learn to play it until he was in his early teens. He attended high school in his hometown of Fredericksburg, and began playing solo gigs when he was 17. He discovered the new age guitar genius of Michael Hedges a year or so later, and Hedges has been a lifelong influence on Williams' approach to the guitar.
Following a stint at college (he attended Virginia Wesleyan College in Virginia Beach from 1988 to 1991, majoring in theater) and frequent gigs in his hometown region, he self-released a debut album, Freek, in 1994. Williams relocated to Colorado the following year, and it was there where he met the members of the progressive bluegrass band String Cheese Incident at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Williams ended up touring with them as an opening act in 1997 and again in 1998, even filling in for a time as their bass player. A second solo album, Buzz, was released in 1996. Williams eventually signed to String Cheese Incident's label, SCI Fidelity, and released Spun in 1998. Incredibly prolific, Williams has released nearly an album a year ever since on SCI, all with one word titles. Breathe appeared in 1999, Loop in 2001, Laugh in 2002, Dance and Home in 2003, Stage in 2004, and the DVD Sight in 2005. Grass (credited to Keller & the Keels) appeared in 2006 and Dream in 2007. In December of 2007 he released his 12th CD, a compilation appropriately titled 12. Endlessly creative, innovative, and fun, Williams is a fascinating artist, and his somewhat wacky take on the world, coupled with his amazing and eccentric guitar talents, makes him a refreshing performer. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
Keller Williams is an amazing musician, so much talent and originality! I can't wait to see him live again!
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Keller Williams is amazing. There is no one else like this man. Incredible talent. Incredible live. I love Keller.
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Great guy to watch live. You really can't appreciate his stuff till you see him live!!Liked his stuff before the show-Loved it after!!Cool show!!!
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Best Live performance Of my life.... Neighborhood Theater 2006 He opened with Eyes of the World (Greatful Dead) and closed with Come as you Are (Nirvana) I Lost MY MIND.... but im a freaker by the speaker
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agreed. you have to see him live to appreciate his creativity. always barefoot and so much energy. :)
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I love this guy... He is so much fun to watch and dance to. I'm proud of Pandora for finally playing him on one of my stations...
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Great artist, probably one of the most underrated of our time. His discography is lacking on here but the three that are up there are good.
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absolutely amazing...my favorite artist ever...it's like he knows the beat I dance to!
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Very fun to listen to but a master piece to watch live. I would suggest seeing this artist live at any chance you get. It is absolutely amazing, like noting you've seen before.
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WMDS - best surprise at bonnaroo 07! saw them again a couple months ago at fillmore denver - even better! Gib Droll is amazing. Droll and Sipe take Keller and Keith Mosely to the top of their game!
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I saw Keller in Atlanta a few weeks ago and what a good show! He is amazing and extremely talented. If you ever get the chance to see one of his shows, its absolutely worth the money for the tickets! You'll have a blast!
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absolutely fantastic live performance! i have seen a lot of good shows, but i was not prepared for how amazing this man is...VA is for music lovers!
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Just saw Kellar in Ithaca NY awsome..... The band he had with him was incredible as well! The W M D' s ! AMAZIN
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saw keller at an out door festival. we were blown away! energy all over the stage...
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"Absolutley Amazing Head Shaking Tunes!" Where is "Freaker by the speaker?"
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I saw Keller Williams at the House of Blues in Dallas, TX. He put on a good show and I was impressed with his unique style of playing and knowing what switches to hit with his bare feet. He's truly relaxed on stage. The next time he's in the Dallas area, I would recommend anyone to go and check him out.
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look out 4 the new release in Feb. 08 Keller is Killer Live!
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