Put together a one-of-a-kind lead guitarist, a gripping bassist, a jamming keyboard player, a beyond-gifted drummer and countless other musicians with various talent and you get the one-man band wonder, Keller Williams.
Describing Williams' music as \unique"" is an understatement. His distinctive acoustic styling and revolutionary looping technique set him apart from the run-of-the-mill jam artist. Williams, who classifies his music as solo acoustic-jazz-funk-reggae-techno-grass, will grace the stage of Madison's Orpheum Theatre, 216 State St., this Friday.
Williams' two-disc live album ""Stage"" released last June gives an excellent preview for what audiences can expect at the Orpheum. The songs are nothing short of this spectacular randomness, with songs about everything from boob jobs to the shapes of M&Ms. Williams said he gets his ideas for songs from his wife, life, and his dogs.
The album features covers of the '80s Queen/David Bowie hit ""Under Pressure"" and Michael Jackson's ""Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."" Williams not only does Michael Jackson better than Michael Jackson in ""Don't Stop,"" but he imitates the fl??gelhorn better than a fl??gelhorn. ""Don't Stop"" is an inventive acoustic cover that definitely does no discredit to the original.
Other treasures on the album include the pulsating ""Dance of the Freek."" Williams starts with a rhythmically captivating bass line and slowly adds more levels of everything from keyboard styling that resembles a heavenly chant to an invigorating and inspired electric jam. When Williams himself breaks into an otherworldly wail it climaxes all other components; bringing the song to an almost magical level. The song is truly the dance of the freak; inspiring listeners to clear all thoughts, dance with their spirit and simply break free.
Williams uses ""Stage"" to explore the various levels of jam. ""Celebrate Your Youth"" takes on a meringue feel incorporating xylophone, steel drums and airy keyboard accompaniment that bring users the place truly worth celebrating Williams sings of in the song.
The release of ""Stage"" last summer and the Acoustic Planet Tour are only a few exciting things on Williams' schedule for this year. UW-Madison students venturing to Amsterdam for spring can see Williams play the first annual Jam in the Dam March 20 to 22 with Umphrey's McGee, Particle and Disco Biscuit.
He is a featured act at Bonnaroo Musical Festival and the Langerado Music Festival in Sunrise, Fla. Keller is also nominated for two Jammys-one for best live album of the year and another for best tour of the year.
Williams told The Daily Cardinal he is also working on several new projects.
""I'm working on a DVD project that will be coming out sometime this summer,"" he said. ""I'm also starting to work on an album right now. I'm going to be working with a lot of talented people and I'm very excited. I don't want to say who because I'll jinx myself, but it's going to be great.""
When thinking of his influences Williams cites Michael Hedges, Victor Wooten, Joe Craven, Charlie Hunter and The Grateful Dead. Victor Wooten moved him to use looping in his music, and he remembers fondly the days of touring with the Dead in the late '80s.
""I remember attending a concert at Alpine Valley in '89 that was just awesome,"" he said.
Williams looks forward to playing the Orpheum Theatre Friday night. He said Madison is a town that loves music, and the city has always been very welcoming.
Keller Williams
Where:
Orpheum Theatre, 216
State St.
When:
Friday, 7:30 PM
How much:
$20
