He’s known as the one-man-jam band and the mad scientist of music. Keller Williams takes an interesting approach to improvisational music by being the sole musician on stage, accompanied only by a range of instruments and gadgets. And within all the commotion of doing an entire band’s work, Williams manages to find the time to be clever and wildly funny.
If you’re familiar with his studio albums, you’ll know that his lyrics are carefree and lighthearted. Take, for example, “Doobie in my Pocket,” a song that chronicles the frustration and worries of Williams at an airport with a doobie in his pocket having an inner debate on whether to risk it or step out of line and miss his flight. Or take “Freeker by the Speaker,” a wildly funny song about rave girls and speaker freaks getting crazy at concerts and festivals. Williams sings: “I don’t know about you, spinning around / How do you not dizzy up and fall down? / Ah, that’s what happens when you feel the sound / But if that was me I would be on the ground.”
But don’t mistake funny, carefree lyricism for a lack of expertise in musicianship. In fact, it’s the impressive mastery of a wide range of instruments that puts Williams in a league of his own. Leveraging an acoustic guitar connected to a delay system enables Williams to explore such a wide variety of sounds as just a single performer. However, Williams is not only just a one-man show, often times he performs on stage with one of his many side projects (his most recent being The Travelin’ McCourys).
No matter what project he’s exploring, fans can expect an exceptional show that explores the boundaries of improvisational music. It’s innovation and creativity like that of Williams’ that makes good music great.
Keller Williams performs Thursday, April 11 at WOW Hall. Tickets are $19 in advance and $21 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.